Vascularization of human islets by adaptable endothelium for durable and functional subcutaneous engraftment.

Overview

Tissue-specific endothelial cells (ECs) are critical for the homeostasis of pancreatic islets and most other tissues. In vitro recapitulation of islet biology and therapeutic islet transplantation both require adequate vascularization, which remains a challenge. Using human reprogrammed vascular ECs (R-VECs), human islets were functionally vascularized in vitro, demonstrating responsive, dynamic glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and Ca²⁺ influx. Subcutaneous transplantation of islets with R-VECs reversed hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, with high levels of human insulin detected within recipient serum and relapses of hyperglycemia following graft removal. Examination of retrieved grafts demonstrated that engrafted human islets were mainly vascularized by the cotransplanted R-VECs, which had anastomosed with the host microcirculation. Notably, single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that R-VECs, when cocultured with islets, acquired islet EC-specific characteristics. Together, R-VECs establish an adaptable vascular niche that supports islet homeostasis both in vitro and in vivo.