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Innovative Diabetes Treatment Platform Developed Using 3D Bioprinting
A collaborative research initiative spearheaded by Professor Jinah Jang at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), along with Myungji Kim, a Ph.D. candidate in the interdisciplinary bioscience and bioengineering division, has yielded a groundbreaking platform aimed at improving diabetes treatment. This innovative approach combines bioink derived from pancreatic tissue with advanced 3D bioprinting technology, as detailed in a recent publication in Nature Communications.
Diabetes represents a complex metabolic disorder primarily stemming from pancreatic dysfunction, which is vital for maintaining blood glucose levels. The pancreas contains islet cells that play a critical role by secreting insulin to manage these levels effectively. However, generating these cells for therapeutic applications poses significant challenges. While stem cells hold potential for in vitro production of islet cells, recreating a functional microenvironment akin to that of a natural pancreas has been an impediment in research.
Islet cell function is closely linked to their interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and surrounding vascular cells. To address this, the POSTECH team formulated a specialized bioink known as PINE (Peri-islet Niche-like ECM), incorporating ECM elements and basement membrane proteins like laminin and collagen IV that are partially derived from actual pancreatic tissue. Utilizing 3D bioprinting technology, the researchers created the Human Islet-like Cellular Aggregates and Vasculature (HICA-V) platform.
The unique design of the HICA-V platform organizes stem cell-derived islet cells in conjunction with vascular systems, closely replicating the anatomical structure of a healthy endocrine pancreas. Remarkably, islet cells cultivated within this platform exhibited enhanced insulin production and protein binding capabilities, demonstrating operational traits that mirror those of native islets.
Furthermore, the platform effectively simulates diabetic pathologies, including heightened inflammatory gene expression. This functionality not only fosters the maturation of islet cells but also positions the HICA-V platform as an essential resource for diabetes research and the development of related pharmacological treatments.
Professor Jang commented on the implications of this innovation, stating, “The customized pancreatic islet platform developed through this research faithfully replicates the structure and function of the human endocrine pancreas, supporting the maturation and functional enhancement of stem cell-derived islets.” She further expressed optimism about its potential impact: “We anticipate this platform will play a key role in advancing diabetes research, accelerating anti-diabetic drug development, and improving the efficiency of islet transplantation therapies.”
This research endeavor was made possible through the financial backing of the National Research Foundation of South Korea (NRF), supported by grants from the Ministry of Science and ICT, as well as the Korean Fund for Regenerative Medicine and contributions from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Additionally, support was received from the Alchemist Project funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE, Korea).
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