Generation of new insulin cells from progenitor cells present in adult pancreatic islets

摘要

The present invention is directed to an in vitro method for converting non­insulin producing cells to insulin-producing cells. A continuous source of insulin-­producing cells is obtained. Insulin from these insulin-producing cells may be collected and administered to a mammal, or the insulin-producing cells may themselves be transplanted into a mammal. Also provided are insulin-producing cells made by the methods of the invention, methods for culturing insulin-producing cells, and methods for treating diabetes with the insulin-producing cells.