Differentiation of CD133-positive pancreatic cells into insulin-producing islet-like cell clusters

Transplant Proc. 2008 Mar;40(2):415-8. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.02.017.

Abstract

Adult pancreatic stem and progenitor cells could represent an alternative source of insulin-producing tissue for diabetes treatment. In order to identify these cells, we have focused on the human pancreatic cells expressing cell surface molecule CD133, a marker of adult stem cells. We found that population of human CD133-positive pancreatic cells contains endocrine progenitors expressing neurogenin-3 and cells expressing human telomerase, ABCG2, Oct-3/4, Nanog, and Rex-1, markers of pluripotent stem cells. These cells were able to differentiate into insulin-producing cells in vitro and secreted C-peptide in a glucose-dependent manner. Based on our results, we suppose that the CD133 molecule represents another cell surface marker suitable for identification and isolation of pancreatic endocrine progenitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AC133 Antigen
  • Antigens, CD / analysis*
  • C-Peptide / analysis
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Separation / methods
  • Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Islets of Langerhans / cytology*
  • Islets of Langerhans / physiology
  • Magnetics
  • Pancreas / cytology*
  • Peptides / analysis*
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA / isolation & purification
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • AC133 Antigen
  • Antigens, CD
  • C-Peptide
  • Glycoproteins
  • PROM1 protein, human
  • Peptides
  • RNA