Platform for the differentiation of cells

Abstract

The present invention relates to an in vitro method for islet cell expansion, which comprises the steps of: a) preparing dedifferentiated cells derived from cells in or associated with post-natal islets of Langerhans; b) expanding the dedifferentiated cells; and c) inducing islet cell differentiation the expanded cells of step b) to become insulin-producing cells.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An in vitro method for producing cells with at least bipotentiality, which comprises the step of: 
 a) inducing cystic formation in cells in or associated with post-natal islets of Langerhans obtained from a patient to obtain a duct-like structure.    
     
     
         2 . A method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in a patient, which comprises the steps of: 
 a) inducing cystic formation in post-natal islets of Langerhans cells obtained from said patient to obtain a duct-like structure; and    b) introducing said duct-like structure cells in situ in said patient, wherein said cells are expanded in situ to become insulin-producing cells.    
     
     
         3 . A method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in a patient, which comprises the steps of: 
 a) inducing in vitro cystic formation in post-natal islets of Langerhans cells obtained from said patient to become insulin-producing cells; and    b) introducing said cells of step a) in situ in saidpatient, wherein said cells produce insulin in situ.