Continuous culturing of the islet cell for transplantation in combating type-I diabetes

OVERVIEW

This invention enables efficient vitro expansion of pancreatic islet cells from a single donor, increasing patient access while reducing graft rejection, enhancing safety and quality through a closed-system bioreactor. In practice, patients with type-I diabetes require islet cell transplantation. Traditionally, such a procedure might require cells from two to three donors to achieve a sufficient quantity for effective treatment, each donor adding to the risk of rejection. With this invention, a single donor’s islet cells can be harvested, placed into the bioreactor system, and expanded in vitro.

BACKGROUND

Islet cell transplantation for type-I diabetes is effective but limited by the need for multiple donors; Attempts to isolate progenitor cells from the pancreas have been challenging, often resulting in inflammation and cell damage, making in vitro expansion difficult. This invention provides methods for culturing pancreatic islet cells by inhibiting Rho kinase (ROCK) activity during cell culture, which supports continuous cell growth and maintenance. The technology includes producing conditionally immortalized islet cells by culturing them under ROCK inhibition, allowing for sustained growth and partial differentiation. Additionally, these methods can stimulate islet cell growth, which would otherwise be limited, and support their transition to a differentiated state by adjusting culture conditions after initial ROCK inhibition.

Benefit

Facilitates continuous and efficient expansion of pancreatic islet cell populations.The closed-system bioreactor ensures high-quality, contamination-free cells, reducing production costs and making islet cell transplantation safer and more accessible for healthcare systems and patients.Allows in vitro expansion of islet cells from a single donor, maximizing cell availability and enabling treatment for more patients from limited donor sources.By minimizing the need for multiple donors, it lowers immune rejection risks, leading to more successful and sustainable islet cell transplants.

Market Application

Biomedical Research: This technology offers researchers a novel tool for studying pancreatic islet cells, paving the way for deeper insights into diabetes pathology and potential therapeutic interventions.

Cell Therapy Development: Biotechnology companies can leverage this innovation to enhance the development of cell-based therapies for diabetes treatment, fostering the creation of more effective and scalable treatment modalities.

Regenerative Medicine: Institutions and companies engaged in regenerative medicine stand to benefit from this technology by harnessing its potential to cultivate pancreatic islet cells for therapeutic applications, driving advancements in tissue engineering and transplantation strategies.

Publications

• US National Phase Patent Application Filed No. 18/291,091
• Current stem cell based therapies in diabetes. Am J Stem Cells. 2016 Oct 20;5(3):87-98. PMID: 27853630; PMCID: PMC5107653.
• Current progress of human trials using stem cell therapy as a treatment for diabetes mellitus. Am J Stem Cells. 2016 Oct 20;5(3):74-86. PMID: 27853629; PMCID: PMC5107652.