Inducing human parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells into islet-like clusters

In order to determine whether human parthenogenetic embryonic stem (hpES) cells have the potential to differentiate into functional cells, a modified four-step protocol was used to induce the hpES cells into islet-like clusters (ILCs) in vitro. Growth factors activin A, retinoic acid, nicotinamide, Exendin-4 and betacellulin were added sequentially to the hpES cells at each step. The terminally differentiated cells were shown to gather into ILCs. Immunohistochemistry and semi quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses demonstrated that the ILCs expressed islet specific hormones and functional markers. Furthermore, an insulin release test indicated that the clusters had the same physiological function as islets. The ILCs derived from hpES cells shared similar characteristics with islets. These results indicate that hpES cell-derived ILCs may be used as reliable material for the treatment of type I diabetes mellitus.