Diabetes is a substantial and increasing health concern. In this Review, Lickert and colleagues discuss the progress made in developing insulin-producing islets using in vitro methods, including which aspects need to be improved in order to use these islets as transplants. Using these islets in laboratory settings could further our understanding of pancreatic function and the mechanisms underlying diabetes.
- Johanna Siehler
- Anna Karolina Blöchinger
- Heiko Lickert
