An international group of scientists, led by researchers from the Free University of Brussels (VUB) and UZ Brussel, has identified iron as a critical factor for the growth and survival of pancreatic beta cells. These cells are responsible for producing insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. The findings were published in Nature Communications.
The study found that young beta cells require large amounts of iron to mature and function properly. Without sufficient iron, these cells die before reaching maturity, which could contribute to the development of diabetes.
"During the development of beta cells, there is a particular moment when they are particularly vulnerable", explains Annelore Van Mulders, from the beta cell neogenesis research group at the VUB and lead author of the article. At this stage, young beta cells open their 'doors' wide to iron via a special receptor. When we blocked the supply of iron, the cells were unable to progress to adulthood and died".
The research also showed that adult beta cells are less affected by short-term iron deficiency. This suggests that there is a specific need for iron during early cell development.
Professor Willem Staels, a paediatric endocrinologist with the Beta Cell Neogenesis Research Group at VUB, said: "We've known for some time that too much iron can be harmful to the pancreas, but what we didn't know until now was that iron is actually essential for its development. Our results show that iron is a necessary ingredient for transforming an immature cell into a healthy, functional beta cell". He added: "This is another important step in the search for ways to grow beta cells in the laboratory as an alternative therapy for people with diabetes".
Professor Nico De Leu, endocrinologist at UZ Brussel and co-leader of the research team, noted how these findings could impact clinical care: "This study provides direct evidence that our body's insulin factories simply shut down in the absence of the mineral iron," he explains. Given that iron deficiency is widespread globally, De Leu highlighted how maintaining proper iron levels may help prevent metabolic diseases such as diabetes.
The discovery offers new directions for future treatments. By ensuring developing beta cells receive adequate iron at key stages, scientists hope it will be possible to create healthier insulin-producing cells from stem cells.
