Transdifferentiation of cells and tissues

摘要

Method for carrying out transdifferentiation of non-pancreatic cells to pancreatic cells involving the provision of a pancreas specific transcription factor and an activating means such as VP16 of Herpes simplex virus to non-pancreatic cells. The methods and materials provided by the invention may be used to treat pancreatic disorders, in particular disorders caused by a loss of properly functioning pancreas such as pancreatic cancer and diabetes.