Unravelling the developmental origins of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes – published online 09/06/2026

Alex Cho, Maria Cristina Nostro

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes (CFRD) impacts more than 50% of adults with CF, but its pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. Emerging evidence supports a potential developmental origin of disease for CFRD, suggesting that the mutations that cause CF may impair pancreatic organogenesis. In this issue, Cho and Nostro (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-026-06768-5) provide a tailored overview of the field, bridging developmental biology and CF to illustrate how pancreatic development may be altered in CF. Both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas are explored, along with the broader pancreatic microenvironment and its many constituents. The authors also discuss how stem cell models can provide potentially invaluable investigative tools for elucidating the developmental origins of CFRD. The authors conclude that improved understanding of the biological basis of CFRD is a key step towards addressing the growing needs of people living with CF. The figures from this review are available as a downloadable slideset.

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