Neurogenin 3+ cells contribute to β-cell neogenesis and proliferation in injured adult mouse pancreas.

ABSTRACT: We previously showed that injury by partial duct ligation (PDL) in adult mouse pancreas activates Neurogenin 3 (Ngn3)(+) progenitor cells that can differentiate to β cells ex vivo. Here we evaluate the role of Ngn3(+) cells in β cell expansion in situ. PDL not only induced doubling of the β cell volume but also increased the total number of islets. β cells proliferated without extended delay (the so-called 'refractory' period), their proliferation potential was highest in small islets, and 86% of the β cell expansion was attributable to proliferation of pre-existing β cells. At sufficiently high Ngn3 expression level, upto 14% of all β cells and 40% of small islet β cells derived from non-β cells. Moreover, β cell proliferation was blunted by a selective ablation of Ngn3(+) cells but not b

SUBMITTER: Van de Casteele M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3613830 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature