Abstract
Abstract
Stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets) are a promising source for replacing the loss of insulin-secreting β cells in insulin-dependent diabetes patients, but compared to their primary human counter parts, SC-islets are considered functionally immature and do not immediately regulate blood glucose after transplantation. To better understand the molecular underpinnings of β cell maturation, we genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to control the induction of the β cell-maturing transcription factor MAFA or a MAFA
S64F
mutant variant associated with premature β cell aging and senescence in SC-islets. We employ a combination of
in vitro
assays, multi-omics analyses, and murine
in vivo
transplantation studies to demonstrate that MAFA remodeling of the SC-islet transcriptional landscape promotes SC-islet biogenesis and metabolic maturation giving rise to greater SC-islet resilience and insulin secretory capacity. Parallel MAFA
S64F
studies highlight the importance for compensatory mechanisms for sustaining accelerated oxidative metabolism and enhanced insulin secretion without inducing intracellular stress responses and islet dysfunction. Overall, these results reveal MAFA-governed transcriptional changes that drive SC-islet functional maturation, which provides the foundation for maturing SC-islets
in vitro
, preserving β cell integrity, and improving SC-islet cell replacement therapies.