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Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Pancreatic Beta-Cell Precursors in a 2D Culture System
Published on: December 16, 2021
Human pancreatic islet progenitor cells demonstrate phenotypic plasticity in vitro
Maithili P Dalvi1, Malati R Umrani, Mugdha V Joglekar
1Stem Cells and Diabetes Section, Lab 12, National Center for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411 007, India.
Journal of Biosciences
|November 19, 2009
Summary
Human pancreatic progenitors show phenotypic plasticity, enabling cell replacement therapy for diabetes. This adaptability, involving epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is potentially regulated by microRNAs.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Phenotypic plasticity allows organisms to adapt to environmental changes by expressing different phenotypes.
- Human pancreatic islet-derived progenitors are a promising source for cell replacement therapy in diabetes.
- Understanding progenitor cell behavior is crucial for developing effective diabetes treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of human pancreatic islet-derived progenitors for diabetes cell replacement therapy.
- To explore the role of phenotypic plasticity, specifically epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in these progenitors.
- To examine the potential involvement of microRNAs in regulating this plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human pancreatic islet-derived progenitor cell behavior.
- Induction and observation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro.
- Investigation of microRNA expression and function in relation to EMT.
Main Results:
- Human pancreatic progenitors exhibit significant phenotypic plasticity.
- Reversible epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was observed in these progenitors.
- Evidence suggests microRNAs play a role in regulating progenitor plasticity and EMT.
Conclusions:
- Human pancreatic islet-derived progenitors possess plasticity suitable for cell replacement therapy.
- EMT is a key mechanism underlying this plasticity.
- MicroRNAs are potential regulators of progenitor cell plasticity in the context of diabetes therapy.
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