Fibroblast-derived pancreatic progenitor cells for treatment of diabetes

The aim of the study is to explore the therapeutic potential of pancreatic progenitor-like cells (PPLCs) reprogrammed from mouse embryonic fibroblasts. PPLCs were transplanted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated mice, which exhibited high levels of blood glucose before the transplantation. Upon PPLC transplantation, a short-term increase in blood glucose levels was observed in the first week, followed by a gradual and constant decrease in the subsequent weeks. After nephrectomy of the kidneys transplanted with PPLCs, blood glucose levels returned to diabetic levels.