METHODS FOR DIFFERENTIATING INSULIN-PRODUCING BETA CELLS FROM PANCREATIC PRECURSOR CELLS

摘要

The invention provides methods for identifying a factor capable of differentiating a non- insulin-producing precursor cell into a cell that produces insulin. The precursor cell can be a pancreatic precursor cell derived from pancreatic anlagen. The invention also provides methods for differentiating a non-insulin-producing precursor cell into a cell that produces insulin, the method comprising contacting a non-insulin-producing precursor cell with a mature pancreatic islet cell, wherein the contacting comprises co-culture of the precursor cell and the islet cell in a cell culture. The invention further provides insulin-producing cells produced by a method of the invention and methods for using such cells for treating diabetes.