Spleen extracellular matrix provides a supportive microenvironment for β-cell function

Objective(s): Type ۱ diabetes mellitus is a common autoimmune and multifactorial disorder. Researchers have been interested in making a favorable islet-like tissue model for the treatment of diabetes. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of the spleen extracellular matrix (S-ECM) on the function of the MIN۶ cell line (a β-cell model). Materials and Methods: In this experimental research, Wistar rat spleens were decellularized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-۱۰۰. S-ECM was characterized by histological assessments, scanning electron microscopy, determination of residua DNA, and examination of the mechanical tensile property. Then, MIN۶ cells were seeded on S-ECM scaffold. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and mRNA expression of insulin-related genes were examined to confirm the function of the cells. Results: The main components of S-ECM such as collagen and glycosaminoglycan remained after decellularization. Furthermore, very low residual DNA and appropriate mechanical behavior of S-ECM provided an ideal extracellular microenvironment for the MIN۶ cells. GSIS results showed that the seeded cells in S-ECM secreted more insulin than the traditional two-dimensional (۲D) culture. The expression of specific insulin-related genes such as PDX-۱, insulin, Maf-A, and Glut-۲ in the recellularized scaffold was more significant than in the ۲D traditional cultured cells. Also, MTT assay results showed that S-ECM were no cytotoxic effects on the MIN۶ cells. Conclusion: These results collectively have evidenced that S-ECM is a suitable scaffold for stabilizing artificial pancreatic islands. 

Keywords:

Artificial organs , Extracellular matrix , Insulin , Insulin-secreting cells , Spleen