A single-cell atlas of de novo β-cell regeneration reveals the contribution of hybrid β/δ-cells to diabetes recovery in zebrafish

Regeneration-competent species possess the ability to reverse the progression of severe diseases by restoring the function of the damaged tissue. However, the cellular dynamics underlying this capability remain unexplored. Here, we have used single-cell transcriptomics to map de novo beta-cell regeneration during induction and recovery from diabetes in zebrafish. We show that the zebrafish has evolved two distinct types of somatostatin-producing delta-cells, which we term delta 1- and delta 2-cells. Moreover, we characterize a small population of glucose-responsive islet cells, which share the hormones and fate-determinants of both beta-and delta 1-cells. The transcriptomic analysis of beta-cell regeneration reveals that beta/delta hybrid cells provide a prominent source of insulin expression during diabetes recovery. Using in vivo calcium imaging and cell tracking, we further show that the hybrid cells form de novo and acquire glucose-responsiveness in the course of regeneration. The overexpression of dkk3, a gene enriched in hybrid cells, increases their formation in the absence of beta-cell injury. Finally, interspecies comparison shows that plastic delta 1-cells are partially related to PP cells in the human pancreas. Our work provides an atlas of beta-cell regeneration and indicates that the rapid formation of glucoseresponsive hybrid cells contributes to the resolution of diabetes in zebrafish

Automated summary

Using single-cell transcriptomics, we have mapped beta-cell regeneration during diabetes induction and recovery in zebrafish. Our study reveals the presence of two distinct types of somatostatin-producing delta-cells, as well as a small population of glucose-responsive islet cells that share characteristics of both beta-and delta 1-cells. We show that beta/delta hybrid cells are a prominent source of insulin expression during diabetes recovery and that these cells form de novo and acquire glucose-responsiveness during regeneration.