Engineered Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing Controlled-Release Insulin Reverse Hyperglycemia in Mice with Type 1 Diabetes

The study demonstrated that genetically engineered hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HF-MSCs) overexpressing controlled-release insulin could effectively reverse hyperglycemia in mice with type 1 diabetes. These insulin-secreting HF-MSCs released insulin in response to rapamycin, significantly reducing blood glucose levels and increasing body weight to normal levels within 90 days. The HF-MSCs retained their multipotency and did not form tumors over a 120-day period. However, the therapeutic effects diminished after 90 days, likely due to immune rejection or cell apoptosis. The study concluded that HF-MSCs could be a promising and safe source for cell-based gene therapy to treat metabolic disorders like diabetes, although long-term efficacy and safety require further investigation.