In the July 7th online edition of PNAS, Z. Alipio et al. from SUNY at Stony brook reported their proof of concept studies in which they were able to reprogram mouse somatic cells and differentiate the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into insulin-secreting β-like cells. The investigators demonstrated in vitro that iPSC-derived β-like cells, similar to endogenous insulin-secreting mouse cells, were able to secrete insulin in response to the presence of glucose. When the iPSC-derived β-like cells were transplanted into type 1 and 2 diabetic mice, the differentiated β-like cells were able to secrete insulin and with normal gylcemic controls in glucose tolerance experiments. Hemoglobin A1c and blood glucose levels were found to be at normal levels 3 months after transplantation; illustrating long-term correction of hyperglycemia by the β-like cells . The authors concluded that the data from their study illustrate the "potential clinical application of reprogrammed somatic cells in the treatment of diabetes type 1 and 2."