PDX-1 encodes a homeodomain protein involved in pancreas development and islet-cell function, and transfer of this gene to liver cells induces them to produce insulin in diabetic mice. Therapeutic strategies for diabetes should focus not only on transplantation approaches, but also on the induction of surrogate β cells to replace impaired islet-cell function in diabetics (pages 568–572).
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Kahn, A. Converting hepatocytes to β-cells—a new approach for diabetes? . Nat Med 6, 505–506 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/74980
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/74980
