Scientists Grow Insulin-Producing Structures from Bone Marrow Cells in the Lab

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This means people with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin for the rest of their lives. One potential treatment approach involves transplanting healthy islets—the clusters of cells that produce insulin—from donor pancreases. However, there simply aren't enough donor islets available to meet the need.

Scientists have been exploring ways to create insulin-producing tissue in the laboratory as an alternative source for transplants. A new study published in the Journal of Visualized Experiments describes a method for growing islet-like structures from bone marrow stem cells.

Researchers used bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)—versatile cells found in bone marrow that can develop into different cell types—as their starting material. They exposed these cells to a specially prepared extract from porcine (pig) pancreatic tissue, which guided the stem cells to differentiate into insulin-producing structures.

The method involves preparing the pancreatic tissue extract through a precise process: spinning it at high speed and then filtering it to remove bacteria and other contaminants. When BMSCs were treated with this extract, they began to change and organize.

The results were visually distinct. Under the microscope, the treated stem cells formed compact, plump, transparent clumps that resembled natural pancreatic islets. In contrast, untreated stem cells showed irregular shapes with cavities, indicating they had not undergone the desired transformation.

The organoids developed over time. By day 16 of culture, small cell aggregates measuring 50-100 micrometers in diameter had formed. By day 22, these had grown into larger, capsule-like structures measuring 200-300 micrometers—roughly the size of natural islets.

What sets this approach apart is its simplicity and affordability. The method doesn't require expensive or specialized laboratory equipment, making it potentially accessible to more research centers. This could accelerate progress in understanding how to grow functional islet tissue.

The lab-grown structures serve two important purposes: they could eventually become a renewable source of tissue for transplant research, and they provide an in vitro model—a test system in a dish—for studying diabetes and screening new drugs. However, it's important to note that this research is in an early stage. The next steps would involve confirming that these organoid structures can actually produce and secrete insulin in response to blood sugar changes, and testing whether they could function effectively if transplanted into animals or people.

Source: Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.