With reference to the genetic alteration of pancreatic ductal cells, consider the following statements: 1. The study involved transplanting human cells into diabetic mice to monitor glucose levels. 2. The genetic alteration increased beta-cell-like transformation to approximately 15%. 3. The research was conducted to produce glucagon instead of insulin. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Researchers led by Jian Li at Harvard Medical School genetically altered ductal

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims· 27 September 2026

Regenerative medicine and gene editing: a key GS3 Science & Technology application for metabolic disorders.

Why in news

Researchers at Harvard Medical School led by Jian Li successfully genetically altered pancreatic ductal cells to produce insulin, potentially offering a new treatment for diabetes.

Background

The study showed that genetic alteration increased beta-cell-like transformation from less than 1% to approximately 8.5%. Experiments on human cells transplanted into diabetic mice resulted in circulating human insulin and normalized glucose levels for six weeks.

Facts for Prelims

S&TDuctal cells in the pancreas were genetically altered to produce insulin.
FactBeta-cell-like transformation increased from less than 1% to about 8.5%.
S&TThe study involved transplanting human cells into diabetic mice to monitor glucose levels.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the genetic alteration of pancreatic ductal cells, consider the following statements:

The study involved transplanting human cells into diabetic mice to monitor glucose levels.
The genetic alteration increased beta-cell-like transformation to approximately 15%.
The research was conducted to produce glucagon instead of insulin.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (a) 1 only — Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: The transformation increased to approximately 8.5%. Statement 3 is incorrect: The cells were altered to produce insulin.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the potential of genetic engineering in regenerative medicine to treat chronic metabolic disorders like diabetes.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Biological hurdle: Ensuring long-term stability and safety of genetically modified cells in human subjects
Ethical oversight: Balancing rapid biotechnological advancement with rigorous safety protocols for gene-editing therapies

Keywords: Regenerative Medicine · Gene Editing · Metabolic Disorders · Biotechnology · Insulin Production

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: Wired ↗Also: GS2 · Health policy & public health

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