Production of Stem Cells for the Generation of Pancreatic Cells

The goal of this interventional study is to investigate how induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be efficiently generated from somatic cells and subsequently differentiated into insulin-producing β cells, with the broader aim of improving the understanding of pancreatic β cell biology and supporting the development of future cell-based therapies for diabetes. The study involves the collection of biological samples from both healthy donors and patients affected by metabolic or genetic disorders that impact pancreatic β cell function, such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), Wolfram syndrome, and pancreatogenic diabetes.

The primary objective is to establish a reliable and reproducible protocol for the production of iPSCs from somatic cells obtained from different donor groups and to evaluate their potential to differentiate into functional β cells. By comparing iPSC-derived β cells from patients with those derived from healthy controls, the study aims to identify disease-specific cellular and molecular characteristics that may contribute to β cell dysfunction and diabetes pathogenesis. These findings will serve as a foundation for improving strategies for β cell replacement and regenerative medicine.

Participants enrolled in the study will provide a single biological sample, collected at Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan. Depending on the laboratory's technical requirements and the participant's clinical condition, the sample may consist of a 3 mm skin punch biopsy, a small volume of peripheral blood (up to 20 mL), or a urine sample (up to 300 mL). These procedures are all standard clinical techniques performed under sterile conditions by trained healthcare personnel. The risks associated with the procedures are minimal and limited to mild pain, bruising, or, in the case of skin biopsy, a small scar. Participants will receive post-procedure care instructions and will not be required to attend follow-up visits after the sample collection.

Once collected, the somatic cells (such as fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, or urine-derived epithelial cells) will be isolated, expanded, and cryopreserved. These cells will then be reprogrammed into iPSCs using a non-integrating RNA-based reprogramming system (StemRNA™ 3rd Gen Reprogramming Kit, Reprocell). The success of the reprogramming process will be assessed by measuring cell viability and the expression of specific pluripotency markers, including SSEA4, OCT4, and NANOG, through flow cytometry. Only iPSC lines that meet predefined quality criteria-viability above 60% and pluripotency marker expression above 80%-will be considered successful and preserved for further use.

Subsequently, the established iPSC lines will be differentiated into insulin-producing β cells through a stepwise process that mimics pancreatic development. The resulting β-like cells will be analyzed for their ability to produce and secrete insulin in response to glucose stimulation, as well as for other molecular and functional properties. The comparison between β cells derived from healthy donors and those from patients with different forms of diabetes will help elucidate the mechanisms underlying β cell dysfunction and loss in these diseases.

The study will include up to 100 participants, both male and female, aged between 12 and 70 years. At least 30% of participants will be healthy controls, while the remaining will represent patients with various types of pancreatic dysfunction. This approach allows the generation of a diverse biobank of patient-specific iPSC lines, which can be used not only for this study but also for future research projects approved by the Ethics Committee. The total duration of the study is estimated at 10 years, reflecting the long-term nature of iPSC generation, differentiation, and characterization.

Although there are no direct medical benefits for participants, the potential societal benefits of this study are significant. The generation of patient-specific iPSCs provides a powerful platform for studying the pathophysiology of diabetes in vitro, enabling the identification of disease mechanisms and testing of new therapeutic strategies in a personalized way. These cells can serve as models to evaluate how genetic background, environmental factors, and disease states affect β cell development and function. In the long term, this research could contribute to the development of advanced regenerative and transplantation-based treatments for diabetes, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for exogenous insulin therapy.

In summary, this study represents an important step toward bridging fundamental stem cell biology with translational applications in diabetes research. By combining patient-specific iPSC technology with cutting-edge differentiation protocols, it aims to create a resource that not only deepens scientific understanding but also supports the development of innovative and personalized therapies for individuals living with diabetes and related metabolic diseases.