Enhanced viability and functional maturity of iPSC-derived islet organoids by collagen-VI-enriched ECM scaffolds

Abstract

Islet organoids derived from pluripotent stem cells offer a promising solution for the shortage of cadaveric donors in diabetes treatment. However, challenges remain in improving their differentiation, viability, functional maturity, and engraftment. Here, we generated improved islet organoids with high viability and functionality by employing extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel of decellularized amniotic membrane (dAM). The dAM sheet facilitates islet organoid engraftment and rapidly restores normoglycemia in diabetic mice, accompanied by increased body weight and augmented insulin release in response to glucose. Interestingly, collagen VI (Col VI) was identified as a key component of islet niche, enhancing islet cell viability and biological function. Col-VI-based biomimetic ECM recapitulates the native environment and exhibits superior physiological properties. Importantly, the cellular composition and endocrine function of optimized induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived islet organoids are comparable with those of human islets. Our findings offer a valuable platform for future endeavors in organoid-transplantation-based therapy of diabetes.

Keywords: biomimetic islet; collagen VI; dAM; decellularized amniotic membrane; diabetes; islet organoid; pancreatic β function and maturation.