PANCREATIC DUCTAL TROPHIC FACTORS, USES AND COMPOSITION RELATED THERETO

摘要

The present invention relates to a pancreatic ductal trophic factor (PDTF), or combination of factors, which is expressed from pancreatic embryonic mesenchyme cells, and to cell lines which express these factor(s). Methods of inducing outgrowth of pancreatic duct tissue by contacting the duct tissue with said factor(s), a composition containing the factor(s), or with cells expressing the factor(s) also are disclosed. Cells lines expressing PDTF can be used to screen compounds for activity which affects pancreatic tissue growth. Compositions containing PDTF can be used to treat pancreatic disorders, and to induce outgrowth of pancreatic tissue which then can be activated and/or implanted in a patient.