Scientists have reported in the "Proceedings of the National Academies of Science (Free abstract) about the discovery that mother's stem cells may cross the placenta and that- in those babies who grow up and later develop Type I diabetes ("Juvenile Diabetes," or "Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitis") - some of those cells help repair the pancreas and make insulin.
The researchers thought they would find evidence that the maternal cells might actually cause the diabetes, but instead found that the maternal cells had become beta islet cells of the pancreas, the cells which produce insulin, and were functioning in a beneficial way, years later.
There are a couple of great stories today concerning diabetes. I've blogged about both of them. There's this story about maternal cells that cross the placenta and are recruited and functional in diabetics, and the report out of Korea about beta islet cells from cord blood.
Adult Pancreas Stem Cells Can Make Insulin
Pig Cells 'May Reverse Diabetes'
New Applications For Cord Lining Stem Cells - Diabetes And Wound Healing
Diabetes In Mice Cured Using Non-Embryonic Sources
Diabetes Foundation Loses Its Way The Pro-Abortion Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Stem Cells May Help Bergen Boy Fight Diabetes
Adult Stem Cell Research Breakthrough Produces Insulin For Diabetics
Diabetes In Mice Cured Using Non-Embryonic Sources
Adult Pancreas Stem Cells Can Make Insulin
A Stem-Cell Defection, A Congressman Educates.
Stem cell cure hope for diabetes
Type 1 diabetes ping.
Thanks for the 'ping'...good news (all news, really) is very welcome.
Ever hopeful here :)