The characterisation and functional β-cell differentiation of duck pancreas-derived mesenchymal cells

The generation of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells from stem cells in vitro would provide an unprecedented cell source for drug discovery and cell transplantation therapy in diabetes research. The fractionation, expansion and conversion of primary duck pancreas-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PSCs) into functional β-cells are described in this study. The cell surface antigens of PSCs, FOXA2, SOX9, NKX6.1 and INS were detected by immunofluorescent stain and flow cytometry for determining the biological characteristics of PSCs. The genes CD44, Ki67, Vimentin, C-myc, glucagon, PDX1 and insulin were detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques. The growth curves of different passages were all typically sigmoidal. Karyotype analysis was conducted to estimate the stability of PSCs. A simple protocol was developed to assess functional differentiation by assessing the expression of pancreas β-cell markers, the staining of dithizone and confirmation of insulin secretion. Insulin and PDX1 were all increased in differentiated cells compared to controls. Differentiated cells secreted insulin in a glucose-responsive manner.