A team of researchers has found that by silencing a gene called ALDH3B2, ductal cells in the pancreas can be transformed into beta-like cells, which produce and release insulin. This breakthrough could lead to a long-term treatment or even a cure for diabetes.

Scientists previously knew that some ductal cells could occasionally transform into beta cells, but they had no clue which genes were involved. By using a genetic screen, they were able to identify ALDH3B2 as a key player in this transformation. When this gene was silenced, the proportion of ductal cells that turned into beta-like cells increased from less than 1% to about 8.5%.

The researchers then transplanted these engineered cells into mice with diabetes, and the mice began producing human insulin, with their glucose levels dropping to near-normal levels. These effects lasted for six weeks.

This method of using existing cells in the pancreas to produce insulin has potential advantages over other gene therapies, such as those that involve inserting genetic instructions into muscle cells. However, precision is crucial to ensure that only the target cells are edited, as ALDH3B2 is used by many cells in the body.

While the next steps involve verifying the role of ALDH3B2 and finding specific small molecules to inhibit it, even partial improvement could make a massive impact on the lives of the 830 million people worldwide who have diabetes.