Effective endothelial cell and human pluripotent stem cell interactions generate functional insulin-producing beta cells.

ABSTRACT:

Aims/hypothesis

Endothelial cells (ECs) play an essential role in pancreatic organogenesis. We hypothesise that effective in vitro interactions between human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) results in the generation of functional pancreatic beta cells.

Methods

Embryoid bodies (EBs) derived from hPSCs were cultured alone (controls) or with ECs in collagen gels. Subsequently, cells were analysed for pancreatic beta cell markers, and then isolated and expanded. Insulin secretion in response to glucose was evaluated in vitro by static and dynamic (perifusion) assays, and in vivo by EB transplantation into immunodeficient mice.

Results

Co-cultured EBs had a higher expression of mature beta cells markers and enhanced insulin

SUBMITTER: Talavera-Adame D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5506104 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature