Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-derived Stem Cells into Insulin-Producing Cells for Improving the Diabetes Therapy

Abstract

From the adipose tissue which credits as the biggest endocrine organs and significant tissue for homeostasis, people can derive a sort of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) which is also learned as adipose tissue-derived stem cells (AD-MSC). This kind of stem cells is easier and safer for scientists to access and still have similar renewal ability and multipotent differentiation profile compared to those stem cells in bone marrow [1]. In this study, we investigate the possibility of adipose tissue-derived cells to differentiate into insulin producing cells. We cultured, characterized, and confirmed that AD-MSC can be successfully differentiated into pancreatic cell lineage which is insulin producing. Following a three-step protocol, we finally achieve insulin producing cells from AD-MSC. Through qCR analysis, marker genes of Nkx6.1, Pdx1, Ngn3, Neurod1, insulin, and glucagon are in presence in the final stage of cells. For further confirmation, we employed immunofluorescence staining on Pdx1 and insulin. The outcome shows the ultimate cells can be stained by DTZ with brown coloring. Furthermore, after exposing the cells to different levels of glucose, we can see the total rise of insulin and C peptide which proves that the cells have the ability to react to the glucose stimulation. The success of the differentiation of AD-MSC to insulin producing cells probably open the gate to new kind of applicable, convenient, and undisputed treatment for diabetes.