Self-Renewing Tri-Potent Stem/Progenitor-like Cells from Adult Human Pancreas

Stem and progenitor cells in the adult human pancreas provide an under-explored resource for regenerative medicine. Using micro-manipulation and methylcellulose-containing colony/organoid assays, we identified cells within the human cadaveric exocrine pancreas that fulfill the definition of a stem cell: able to self-renew and differentiate. Exocrine tissues were collected after the isolation of endocrine cells, dissociated into single cells, and plated into a 3-dimensional semisolid medium. We found that some pancreatic ductal cells gave rise to cystic colonies/organoids containing pancreatic duct, acinar, and endocrine lineage cells. These cells self-renewed and expanded approximately 300-fold over 9 weeks. When transplanted into diabetic mice, colonies/organoids lowered blood glucose levels and gave rise to insulin-expressing endocrine cells. Thus, stem/progenitor-like cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation either preexist in the adult human pancreas or readily adapt in culture. These human cells have implications for therapy in diabetes patients. Overall design: Total RNAs were extracted from individual cells obtained following dissociation of freshly obtained human adult islet-depleted pancreas tissue.