Human Gut Cells Become Insulin Producers in New Approach

Scientists have converted human gut cells into insulin producers by turning off a single gene in an experiment that suggests a new way forward in treating diabetes.

Using a miniature model of the human intestine, only a few millimeters in size and made from stem cells, the scientists deactivated a gene in the cells tied to metabolic regulation called FOXO1. Once disabled, the cells began producing insulin.