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. 2020 Dec:16:27-33.
doi: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.06.003. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Single-cell RNA sequencing for engineering and studying human islets

Punn Augsornworawat  1   2 , Jeffrey R Millman  1   2
Affiliations

Single-cell RNA sequencing for engineering and studying human islets

Punn Augsornworawat et al. Curr Opin Biomed Eng. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

The islets of Langerhans are complex tissues composed of several cell types that secrete hormones. Loss or dysfunction of the insulin-producing β cells leads to dysregulation of blood glucose levels, resulting in diabetes. A major goal in cellular engineering has been to generate β cells from stem cells for use in cell-based therapies. However, the presence of other cell types within these islets can mask important details about β cells when using population-level assays. Single-cell RNA sequencing have enabled transcriptional assessment of individual cells within mixed populations. These technologies allow for accurate assessment of specific cell types and subtypes of β cells. Studies investigating different stages of β cell maturity have led to several insights into understanding islet development and diabetes pathology. Here, we highlight the key findings from the use of single-cell RNA sequencing on stem cell-derived and primary human islet cells found in different maturation and diabetic states.

Keywords: Diabetes; Islets; Single-Cell RNA Sequencing; Stem Cells.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement J.R.M. is an inventor on patents and patent applications relating to SC-β cells. Declaration of interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Summary of islet representative gene markers of cell types found in islets and SC-islets [20, 26].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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