Aims
The present study identified a biomarker of islet death using differential methylation of the insulin gene, INS, originating from β-cells in porcine islets. Materials &
Background
Xenotransplantation of porcine islets has emerged in recent decades as a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Current
Conclusion
Moreover, the results of this study indicate a highly specific epigenetic biomarker, capable of detecting a single islet, supporting the measurement of cfDNA as a biomarker for transplanted islet death. Defining the epigenetic characteristics of porcine-derived islets within cfDNA will be crucial to develop a better understanding of graft survival immunology for transplantation.
Methods
Pyrosequencing primers specific for porcine INS were designed to quantify hypomethylation along 12 cysteine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) sites, including three sites in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element (CRE) binding protein 2 (CRE2) binding region of the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and nine sites within intron 2.
Results
PCR amplification of bisulfite-converted DNA combined with pyrosequencing data support the