FLATTOP (FLTP) IS A NOVEL BIOMARKER FOR BETA CELL MATURATION

摘要

The present invention relates to the use of the biomarker Flattop (Fltp) for distinguishing mature β cells from immature progenitor β cells. The present invention further relates to a method for distinguishing a mature β cell from an immature progenitor β cell, the method comprising: determining the presence or absence of the biomarker Flattop (Fltp) in a β cell; wherein the presence of Fltp in the cell indicates that the cell is a mature β cell and wherein the absence of Fltp in the cell indicates that the cell is an immature progenitor β cell. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of identifying a compound suitable for differentiating immature progenitor β cells into mature β cells as well as to a method of identifying a compound suitable for preventing the de-differentiating of mature β cells. The present invention additionally relates to a method of differentiating immature progenitor β cells into mature β cells as well as to a method of preventing de-differentiating of mature β cells. In addition, the present invention also relates to a kit for distinguishing mature β cells from immature progenitor β cells and to a pharmaceutical composition for use in treating or preventing diabetes.