In vivo regeneration of lost or dysfunctional islet β cells can fulfill the promise of improved therapy for diabetic patients. To achieve this, many mitogenic factors have been attempted, including gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA remarkably affects pancreatic islet cells’ (α cells and β cells) function through paracrine and/or autocrine binding to its membrane receptors on these cells. GABA has also been studied for promoting the transformation of α cells to β cells. Nonetheless, the gimmickry of GABA‐induced α‐cell transformation to β cells has two different perspectives. On the one hand, GABA was found to induce α‐cell transformation to β cells in vivo and insulin‐secreting β‐like cells in vitro. On the other hand, GABA treatment showed that it has no α‐ to β‐cell transformation response. Here, we will summarize the physiological effects of GABA on pancreatic islet β cells with an emphasis on its regenerative effects for transdifferentiation of islet α cells to β cells. We will also critically discuss the controversial results about GABA‐mediated transdifferentiation of α cells to β cells.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied extensively utilizing the catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process for several decades. CCVD is seen to have a better degree of control and scalability. CNTs have proved to be useful in single-molecule transistors, scanning electron microscope (SEM) tips, gas and electrochemical storage, electron field emitting flat panel displays, and sensors. This review summarizes various stabilizing agents such as cobalt ferrite and molybdenum disulphide that can increase the electrochemical activity of the carbon doped-graphene nanomaterials as graphene doped with carbon shows a great improvement in the properties in various aspects. We also looked into the electrochemical applications where CNTs are used as a prerequisite. Carbon nanotubes are seen in biosensors, energy storage, conductive plastics, and power fuel cells. Carbon nanomaterials’ influence on symmetrical and asymmetrical supercapacitors, carbon nanomaterials to power dye-synthesized solar cells, and the importance of CVD in the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials were also investigated.
MicroRNAs are a type of noncoding RNAs that regulates the expression of target genes at posttranscriptional level. MicroRNAs play essential roles in regulating the expression of different genes involved in pancreatic development, β-cell mass maintenance, and β-cell function. Alteration in the level of miRNAs involved in β-cell function leads to the diabetes. Being an epidemic, diabetes threatens the life of millions of patients posing a pressing demand for its urgent resolve. However, the currently available therapies are not substantial to cure the diabetic epidemic. Thus, researchers are trying to find new ways to replenish the β-cell mass in patients with diabetes. One promising approach is the in vivo regeneration of β-cell mass or increasing the efficiency of β-cell function. Another clinical strategy is the transplantation of in vitro developed β-like cells. Owing to their role in pancreatic β-cell development, maintenance, functioning and their involvement in diabetes, overexpression or attenuation of different miRNAs can cause β-cell regeneration in vivo or can direct the differentiation of various kinds of stem/progenitor cells to β-like cells in vitro. Here, we will summarize different strategies used by researchers to investigate the therapeutic potentials of miRNAs, with focus on miR-375, for curing diabetes through β-cell regeneration or replacement.
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