CD82 is a useful marker to isolate b cell precursors from human iPS-derived cells and plays a role for the maturation of b cells

Gene expression analysis of the differentiation process of iPS cells to pancreatic islet cells has revealed that expression of CD82 defines a subset of iPS cell-derived pancreatic endocrine progenitors (EP). While some cell surface proteins such as CD142, CD200 and SUSD2 have been reported as markers of pancreatic progenitor (PP) and EP, CD82+ EP cells are distinct from those PP and EP characterized by the previously identified markers. CD82+ cells isolated from EP cells efficiently differentiated into pancreatic endocrine cells, particularly β cells. Also, CD82+ cells isolated from human cadaver pancreases secreted insulin in response to a high glucose concentration. Furthermore, blocking of CD82 expression by siRNA or inhibition of CD82 in EP by monoclonal antibodies suppressed maturation of β cells, indicating that CD82 plays a role for maturation of EP to β cells. In conclusion, this study identified CD82 not only as a useful marker to isolate β cell precursors but also as an important molecule for functional maturation of β cells. To identify the pancreatic endocrine progenitor marker gene, we compared gene expression of endocrine marker gene Ngn3 high expression cell and weak expression cells derived from iPS cells.