In vitro differentiation of human placenta-derived adherent cells into insulin-producing cells

This study investigated the differentiation of placenta-derived adherent cells (PDACs) into insulin-producing cells (IPCs). PDACs were cultured and the cells characterized by analysis of cell surface markers using flow cytometry. The PDACs were then treated with induction media containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and beta-mercaptoethanol (beta-ME). After induction, the presence of IPCs was demonstrated using dithizone staining, and the production of functional insulin was confirmed using immunocytochemistry and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of the islet-associated genes PDX-1, Insulin 1, Insulin 2 and Glut 2 in the induced cells was measured using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; PDX-1 was expressed after 7 days of induction and PDX-1, Insulin 1 and Insulin 2 were all detected after 14 days. These results suggest that the placenta could be a new source of stem cells that can be induced to differentiate into IPCs following treatment with media containing bFGF and beta-ME.