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Review
. 2009 Feb;218(2):256-63.
doi: 10.1002/jcp.21615.

Insulin producing cells derived from embryonic stem cells: are we there yet?

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Review

Insulin producing cells derived from embryonic stem cells: are we there yet?

Sudhanshu P Raikwar et al. J Cell Physiol. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

Derivation of insulin producing cells (IPCs) from embryonic stem (ES) cells provides a potentially innovative form of treatment for type 1 diabetes. Here, we discuss the current state of the art, unique challenges, and future directions on generating IPCs.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of pancreatic development: Pancreatic development and specification of insulin producing β cells is governed by a cascade of transcription factors and signaling pathways.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Generation of ES cell-derived IPCs: (A) Embryoid body formation: Undifferentiated ES cells are initially converted into EBs and subsequently treated with a cocktail of growth factors to yield IPCs. (B) Definitive endoderm formation: Undifferentiated ES cells are treated with Activin A to generate DE cells which are characterized by cell surface CXCR4 expression. Selective enrichment of CXCR4+ DE cells followed by treatment with growth factors gives rise to IPCs.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Generation of ES cell-derived IPCs: (A) Embryoid body formation: Undifferentiated ES cells are initially converted into EBs and subsequently treated with a cocktail of growth factors to yield IPCs. (B) Definitive endoderm formation: Undifferentiated ES cells are treated with Activin A to generate DE cells which are characterized by cell surface CXCR4 expression. Selective enrichment of CXCR4+ DE cells followed by treatment with growth factors gives rise to IPCs.

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