Nat Chem Biol. 2026 Aug 7. doi: 10.1038/s41589-026-02293-z. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Loss of functional β cells is a hallmark of diabetes, and restoring β cell mass remains a critical goal in the quest for a specific therapy. One potential strategy is to convert non-β cells in the islet, such as α cells, into insulin-producing cells. Although several compounds have been identified to induce β cell-like features in α cells, none have been successfully translated into clinical applications. In this study, we identify PRC2 inhibitors as potent inducers of β cell-enriched gene expression in α cells, acting through modulation of the AR-ETV1 complex. AR inhibition suppresses glycogen synthesis and enhances the pentose phosphate pathway. Direct metabolic reprogramming with methyl esterified 6-phosphogluconate, an intermediate metabolite of the pentose phosphate pathway, induces β cell-like features in α cells, stimulates β cell regeneration and ameliorates diabetes. Our findings demonstrate that metabolic reprogramming drives β cell regeneration and highlight a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetes.
PMID:42567976 | DOI:10.1038/s41589-026-02293-z