GENERATION OF PANCREATIC HORMONE-EXPRESSING CELLS FROM HUMAN FIBROBLAST-LIKE LIMBAL STEM CELLS

摘要

The invention describes a four-step differentiation protocol which efficiently directs LSCs, in particular a fibroblast-like LSC population characterized by the expression of several pluripotent stem cell markers and exhibiting self-renewal ability, towards the endocrine cell fate, eventually leading to production of pancreatic hormone-expressing cells. In addition, LSC-derived insulin-producing cells obtained according to the invention are fully functional as demonstrated by the ability to secrete C-peptide in response to glucose and other stimuli, similar to beta cells. Thus they possess distinctive features which make them optimal candidates for potential therapeutic application in diabetes.