INSULIN-SECRETING CELL LINES, METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE

摘要

The invention relates to the field of biology and, in particular, to the field of cellular biology. The invention concerns a novel glucose-sensitive cell line designated beta cell line (INS.1) expressing glucokinase and the glucose carrier Glut 2 at levels comparable with those of normal beta cells but which is, in addition, incapable of IGF II expression dependent proliferation because of genetic manipulation. The invention also concerns a method for the production of said novel cell line, its aggregation in the form of a pseudo-islet, its immobilization in a biocompatible hydrogel and its hardening by means of a hardening solution. Application in insulin-secreting beta cell transplants.