| abstract |
The invention provides animal models, where the ectopic expression of KGF, EGF, or both is under the control of a pancreas-specific promoter, e.g., the insulin promoter. The expression of KGF in the ins-KGF pancreatic islets of Langerhans results in enlarged islets, with substantial proliferation of duct cells within the islet mass, and the presence of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein-producing hepatocytes in the islets of the ins-KGF pancreata. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for identifying and isolating pancreatic stem/progenitor cells, including a common stem/progenitor to liver cells and pancreatic cells. |