Engineered 'suicide genes' prevent tumors in stem cell-derived beta cells

(Diabetes Research Institute Foundation) Scientists from the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami have engineered a human pluripotent stem cell line containing two 'suicide genes' that induce cell death in all but the desired insulin-producing cells. This double fail-safe approach addresses the limitations of pluripotent stem cell-derived beta cells and opens the door to creating safe cell-replacement therapies for people living with type 1 diabetes.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news