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Platform for the differentiation of cells

  • US 6,638,765 B1
  • Filed: 08/03/2001
  • Issued: 10/28/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/04/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An in vitro method for islet cell expansion, which comprises the steps of:

  • a) inducing cystic formation in cells in or associated with post-natal islets of Langerhans to obtain a duct-like structure;

    b) expanding cells of said duct-like structure; and

    c) inducing islet cell differentiation of said expanded cells of said duct-like structure to become insulin-producing cells;

    wherein step a) and step b) are concurrently effected using a solid matrix, basement membrane constituents, basal feeding medium and appropriate growth factors to permit the development, maintenance and expansion of a duct-like structure cell population with at least bipotentiality;

    wherein step c) is effected by removing cells from said matrix and resuspended in a basal liquid medium containing soluble matrix proteins and growth factors selected from the group consisting of fibronectin, IGF-1, IGF-2, insulin, and NGF.

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