Enhanced differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic progenitors co-expressing PDX1 and NKX6.1.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Pancreatic progenitors (PPs) co-expressing the two transcription factors (TFs) PDX1 and NKX6.1 are recognized as the indispensable precursors of functional pancreatic β cells. Here, we aimed to establish an efficient protocol for maximizing generation of PDX1+/NKX6.1+ PPs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). METHODS:In order to enhance the PDX1+/NKX6.1+ population, we manipulated in vitro culture conditions during differentiation by dissociating densely formed endodermal cells and re-plating them at different densities. These dissociated cells were subjected to an augmented duration of retinoid and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)10 signaling to induce higher PDX1 and NKX6.1 expression. RESULTS:Our optimized protocol dramatically increased the expression of NKX6.1, leading t

SUBMITTER: Memon B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5781269 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature