Stem Cell Related Patent Number US7029915

Method for differentiating rat hepatic stem cells to insulin-producing cells

Yang, Lijun; Gainesville, FL, United States of America

This invention describes a method of making cells with a pancreatic endocrine cell-like phenotype, via the culturing of hepatic stem cells in a medium comprising RPMI 1640 and greater than 5.5 mM glucose. Methods are described by which such highly purified hepatic stem cells are trans-differentiated into pancreatic endocrine hormone-producing cells by culturing them in vitro in a medium containing high levels of glucose, after which the trans-differentiated cells express insulin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide, but not hepatocyte protein Hep-par. Further disclosed are the means by which the cells synthesize and secrete insulin when stimulated with glucose, a response that is enhanced by nicotinamide. Methods are provided by which transplantation of these trans-differentiated cells into a hyperglycemic animal normalizes blood sugar levels in the animal. Therapeutic applications in reducing or reversing pancreatic hormone insufficiency are included.

Application Number: US2003000373124

Date Filed: 02/24/03

Dated Published: 04/18/06

Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Gainesville, FL, United States of America