Situated in the curve of the small intestine beneath the stomach, the pancreas carries out two vital roles crucial for our survival. Firstly, its beta-cells produce insulin, regulating blood sugar levels, a function essential for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Secondly, the pancreas generates enzymes for digesting fat, carbohydrates, and proteins in the gut.
In a groundbreaking quest to unravel the mysteries of type 1 diabetes, a collaborative effort by scientists from the universities of Exeter, Cambridge, and Helsinki revealed a surprising find. They discovered a gene critical for pancreas formation in humans, known as ZNF808, is notably absent in almost all animals, except for apes like chimpanzees, gorillas, and certain monkeys.
Dr. Nick Owens from Exeter University highlighted the significance of studying the human pancreas for insights into diabetes treatments. ZNF808, part of a recently evolved protein family that can ‘switch off’ specific DNA regions, plays a crucial role in human development, according to Dr. Michael Imbeault of Cambridge University. This gene identification resulted from analyzing genetic samples from individuals worldwide born without a pancreas, all exhibiting genetic changes leading to ZNF808 loss.
Collaborating with researchers in Cambridge and Helsinki, the team explored the impact of ZNF808 loss on stem cells in laboratory experiments. Astonishingly, the results revealed ZNF808’s crucial role during early human development when cells decide whether to become a pancreas or liver.
Professor Timo Otonkoski from Helsinki envisioned translating this knowledge into manipulating stem cells to produce insulin-producing beta-cells, potentially unlocking the key to curing type 1 diabetes. This discovery represents a significant stride in understanding the unique characteristics of the human pancreas, offering hope for advancements in this critical field.
