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Advancements in Pancreatic Islet Transplantation and Cryopreservation: A Deep Dive with Dr. Finger
In this episode, we're privileged to host Dr. Finger, a leading figure in the field of pancreatic islet transplantation. We explore the intricacies of this potentially life-altering treatment for diabetes, which, while promising, faces significant hurdles related to the supply chain and quality control of donor islets.
Dr. Finger takes us through the transformative potential of cryopreservation to solve these challenges. The key, he explains, lies in the meticulous optimization of cryoprotectant agent composition, loading and unloading conditions, and methods for vitrification and rewarming. This strategy can successfully preserve islets from a variety of sources, including mice, pigs, humans, and even human stem cell-derived beta cells.
Our discussion reveals that these post-cryopreservation islets maintain high viability, not only immediately after rewarming but also after extended cryogenic storage of up to 9 months. Dr. Finger outlines how these islets retain normal macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural morphology and largely maintain cellular respiration and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion functionality.
The conversation takes an exciting turn as we explore the practical application of these findings. Dr. Finger shares insights into how cryopreserved islets behave in vivo, with examples from porcine and stem cell-derived beta cell xenotransplant models, as well as a mouse syngeneic transplant model. In these models, cryopreserved islets produced insulin and, impressively, restored normal blood sugar levels within 24-48 hours in a high percentage of cases.
Finally, we discuss the scalability of this approach and its implications for improving the transplantation outcomes for diabetes patients. Dr. Finger's research paints a bright future for the practicality of islet transplantation, offering hope to countless individuals living with diabetes. If you're curious about cutting-edge diabetes research and the transformative potential of cryopreservation, this episode with Dr. Finger is a must-listen.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01718-1 Pancreatic islet cryopreservation by vitrification achieves high viability, function, recovery, and clinical scalability for trans plantation
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By Catarina CunhaIn this episode, we're privileged to host Dr. Finger, a leading figure in the field of pancreatic islet transplantation. We explore the intricacies of this potentially life-altering treatment for diabetes, which, while promising, faces significant hurdles related to the supply chain and quality control of donor islets.
Dr. Finger takes us through the transformative potential of cryopreservation to solve these challenges. The key, he explains, lies in the meticulous optimization of cryoprotectant agent composition, loading and unloading conditions, and methods for vitrification and rewarming. This strategy can successfully preserve islets from a variety of sources, including mice, pigs, humans, and even human stem cell-derived beta cells.
Our discussion reveals that these post-cryopreservation islets maintain high viability, not only immediately after rewarming but also after extended cryogenic storage of up to 9 months. Dr. Finger outlines how these islets retain normal macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural morphology and largely maintain cellular respiration and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion functionality.
The conversation takes an exciting turn as we explore the practical application of these findings. Dr. Finger shares insights into how cryopreserved islets behave in vivo, with examples from porcine and stem cell-derived beta cell xenotransplant models, as well as a mouse syngeneic transplant model. In these models, cryopreserved islets produced insulin and, impressively, restored normal blood sugar levels within 24-48 hours in a high percentage of cases.
Finally, we discuss the scalability of this approach and its implications for improving the transplantation outcomes for diabetes patients. Dr. Finger's research paints a bright future for the practicality of islet transplantation, offering hope to countless individuals living with diabetes. If you're curious about cutting-edge diabetes research and the transformative potential of cryopreservation, this episode with Dr. Finger is a must-listen.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01718-1 Pancreatic islet cryopreservation by vitrification achieves high viability, function, recovery, and clinical scalability for trans plantation