| abstract |
A method of converting differentiated non-hormone producing pancreatic cells into differentiated hormone producing cells is disclosed. The method comprises two steps: first, culturing cells under conditions which convert differentiated non-hormone producing cells into stem cells; and second, culturing stem cells under conditions which provide for differentiating stem cells into hormone-producing cells. The invention provides a new source of large quantities of hormone producing cells such as insulin-producing cells that are not currently available for therapeutic uses such as the treatment of diabetes. |