Islet Cells From Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Abstract

This disclosure provides a system for producing pancreatic islet cells from embryonic stem cells. Differentiation is initiated towards endoderm cells, and focused using reagents that promote emergence of islet precursors and mature insulin-secreting cells. High quality populations of islet cells can be produced in commercial quantities for use in research, drug screening, or regenerative medicine.

What is claimed as the invention is: 
     
         1 . A first and second cell population comprising a) a first in vitro population of cells comprising human embryonic stem cells; and b) a second cell population comprising progeny of a portion of the first population of cells, wherein the second population of cells include at least some cells expressing Neuro D1, at least some cells expressing Nkx2.2 and at least some cells expressing Nkx6.1. 
     
     
         2 . The first and second cell population of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second cell populations are each in separate containers. 
     
     
         3 . A first and second cell population comprising a) a first in vitro population of cells which express stage specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA3), stage specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA4) and markers detectible using antibodies designated Tra-1-60 and Tra-1-81; and b) a second cell population comprising progeny of a portion of the first population of cells, wherein the second population of cells include at least some cells expressing Neuro D1, at least some cells expressing Nkx2.2 and at least some cells expressing Nkx6.1. 
     
     
         4 . The first and second cell population of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second cell populations are each in separate containers.