| abstract |
Claim 1: A composition characterized in that it is for use in a method for obtaining or isolating multipotential mammalian stem/progenitor cells capable of differentiating into multiple endodermal lineages, wherein the cells are obtained from mammalian biliary tree tissue, wherein said The method comprises obtaining tissue from the biliary tree, and successively, and in any order, or substantially simultaneously obtaining cells that are positive for: (i) at least one surface marker present on the stem/progenitor cells selected from the group consisting of at EpCAM, N-CAM, CXCR4, CD44H, and CD133; (ii) at least one marker indicative of a liver cell lineage selected from HNF6, HES1, CK19, albumin, and AFP; and (iii) at least one marker indicative of a pancreatic cell lineage selected from PDX1, PROX1, NGN3, and insulin. |