Method for obtaining ngn3-expressing cells and insulin producing-beta cells

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for obtaining Ngn3-expressing cells and insulin producing-beta cells by contacting a Pdx1-expressing pancreas explant with an amount of at least one histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). The inventive methods have the advantage of being simple and quick, and of providing large amounts of Ngn3-expressing cells and insulin producing-beta cells, that are useful therapeutic tools. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diabetes which comprises an amount of at least one HDACi.

1 . A method for obtaining a population of insulin producing-beta cells which comprises a step of contacting a Pdx1-expressing pancreatic explant with an amount at least one histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the Pdx1-expressing pancreatic explant is a non-human embryonic pancreatic explant or a human foetal pancreatic explant. 
     
     
         3 . A method for obtaining a population of insulin producing-beta cells which comprises a step of contacting Ngn3-expressing cells with an amount at least one HDACi. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the histone deacetylase inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of selective class II HDACi and classical HDACi. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the HDACi is trichostatin A (TSA). 
     
     
         6 . A method for obtaining a population of Ngn3-expressing cells which comprises a step of contacting a Pdx1-expressing pancreatic explant with an amount at least one HDACi. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the HDACi is selected from the group consisting of selective class I HDACi, selective class II HDACi and classical HDACi. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the HDACi is valproic acid (VPA) or TSA. 
     
     
         9 . A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diabetes which comprises an amount of at least one HDACi. 
     
     
         10 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 9 , wherein the HDACi is selected from the group consisting of selective class _11 HDACi and classical HDAC1. 
     
     
         11 . The pharmaceutical composition according to  claim 10 , wherein the HDACi is TSA.