Work

Isolation of live human δ cells for genetic and functional analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Investigations of human pancreatic islets have been empowered by strategies to isolate and study live islet cell subsets, like β cells and α cells. To advance experimentation with human islet δ cells, which remain relatively understudied, we generated combinatorial cell sorting approaches to separate human δ cells from β cells, yielding highly-enriched human δ cells. We used molecular analysis, immunohistology, and electroporation-based targeting to demonstrate the quality of δ cell purification. We also demonstrated the feasibility of prospectively studying human δ cell function in pseudoislet organoids. Innovations detailed here should promote discovery of genetic, signaling and physiological mechanisms governing δ cell function and roles in human islets.

Source: Molecular Metabolism

DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2025.102188

Authors: Yan Hang, Mario Alex Miranda, Ziqiao Yan, Weichen Zhao, Seung K. Kim

Institutions: Stanford Medicine, Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Pancreatic function and diabetes

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,270