Join us for an inside look at the collaborations and skills that researchers in Boston are using to tackle the complex task of replacing beta cells in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Beta cell replacement is the art and science of taking or making beta cells from outside a person’s body, and then putting those new cells inside a person to replace their own damaged or destroyed beta cells. Funding beta cell replacement research is also one of JDRF’s most critical undertakings, essential in our mission to find cures for T1D.

Today, we present the second video in our seven-part series Inside the Lab at Boston. Follow along as three prominent researchers—Mark Poznansky, M.D., Ph.D., Douglas Melton, Ph.D., and Daniel Anderson, Ph.D.—convey both the enthusiasm and challenges about their work, see their labs in action and watch as they discuss issues they must address for beta cell replacement therapy to be a success.

Last week, we took you inside 10 labs working to Cure T1D and Improve Lives. Click here to watch the videos in our series.

Every Tuesday through October, and once again starting in December, we will share another video of JDRF’s research. This one is Beta Cell Replacement, followed by: Beta Cell Regeneration, Prevention, Eye Complications, Kidney Complications and Immune Therapy.

So don’t forget to check back next week, when we feature Beta Cell Therapies: Regeneration Research in Boston.

In Recognition

This week special thanks goes out to the scientists we interviewed in Boston who specialize in trying to make beta cell replacement work.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Daniel Anderson, Ph.D.
• Chandra Bhattacharya, Ph.D. (mentor: Dan Anderson)
• Robert S. Langer, Sc.D.

Massachusetts General Hospital

• Mark Poznansky, M.D., Ph.D.

 Harvard University

• Douglas A. Melton, Ph.D.
• Elad Sintov, Ph.D. (mentor: Douglas Melton)