Pre-adaptation of stem cell-derived islet organoids to hypoxia via zinc transportation inhibition drives angiogenesis

Abstract

The clinical application of human stem cell-derived islet organoids (SC-islets) is hindered by immaturity and ischemia-induced dysfunction post-transplantation. Hypoxia-driven angiogenesis is a common adaptation, but the metabolic fragility of SC-islet β cells leads to early functional damage and suppressed vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression, thereby delaying vascularization and causing graft loss. The key challenge in SC-islet transplantation is how to prevent hypoxia-induced stress and promote rapid angiogenesis. We found that excessive zinc in SC-islet β cells induces oxidative modification that inhibits AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. Chemical inhibition of zinc transportation activates AMPK, enhances functional maturation, improves hypoxia resistance, and increases hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A)-independent VEGFA expression to facilitate endothelial cell integration. In diabetic animal models, this approach significantly improved hypoxia resistance, accelerated angiogenesis, and enhanced glycemic control. Our findings demonstrate that chemical inhibition of zinc transportation boosts SC-islet functional competence, offering a potential strategy to advance pre-adaptation to stress in regenerative medicine.

Keywords: SC-islet organoids; angiogenesis; chemical inhibition; functional maturation; hypoxia resistance.