DNA methylation status correlates with adult β-cell regeneration capacity.

The role of DNA methylation in β-cell neogenesis is poorly understood. We report that during the process of induced cell reprogramming, methylation content of the Ngn3 and Sox11 genes are diminished. These findings emphasise DNA methylation is a barrier in β-cell regeneration in adulthood, a well described pathophysiological phenomenon of major significance in explaining β-cell deficiency in diabetes in the adult pancreas.