Differentiation to insulin-positive cells from human amnion epithelial cells using a pancreatic development mimicry protocol.

ABSTRACT: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by the loss or dysfunction pancreatic β-cells. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC), which retain pluripotency markers and are readily obtainable from term placentas, represent a promising alternative source of stem cells. We investigated whether hAECs can be guided through pancreatic ontogeny to generate insulin-producing β-like cells. hAEC from uncomplicated term deliveries were expanded to passage 1 and exposed to a four-stage differentiation sequence that sequentially modulated Activin/WNT, KGF/TGF-β, retinoic-acid/hedgehog, and EGF/Noggin signaling. Stage progression was monitored by end-point RT-PCR and quantitative immunofluorescence for hallmark transcription factors. After definitive endoderm induction, 64% of cells were Brachyury positive

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Rodriguez D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12259741 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature