Less is more: Reducing zinc to boost stem cell-derived islet function and survival.

Ibrahim, Hazem; Balboa, Diego; Otonkoski, Timo · Cell Stem Cell · 2026

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

Zinc is required for insulin packaging into secretory granules, yet reduced zinc transporter activity paradoxically enhances beta cell function. In this issue, Wang et al.<sup>1</sup> show that pharmacologic inhibition of zinc transport in stem cell-derived islets activates AMPK signaling and improves maturation, hypoxia resistance, VEGFA expression, and graft performance.

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