Methylcellulose colony assay and single-cell micro-manipulation reveal progenitor-like cells in adult human pancreatic ducts

• DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.001
• Publication Date: 2023-03-02T15:34:47Z
• Authors: Janine C. Quijano; Lena Wedeken; Jose A. Ortiz; Heather N. Zook; Jeanne M. LeBon; Angela Luo; Jeffrey Rawson; Jacob R. Tremblay; Jacob M. Mares; Kassandra Lopez; Min-Hsuan Chen; Kevin Jou; Carlos Mendez-Dor...; Ismail H. Al-Abdu...; Debbie C. Thurmond; Fouad Kandeel; Arthur D. Riggs; Hsun Teresa Ku
• Keywords: Progenitor

Progenitor cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation in the adult human pancreas are an under-explored resource for regenerative medicine. Using micro-manipulation three-dimensional colony assays we identify within exocrine that resemble progenitor cells. Exocrine tissues were dissociated into single plated a assay containing methylcellulose 5% Matrigel. A subpopulation ductal formed colonies differentiated ductal, acinar, endocrine lineage cells, expanded up to 300-fold with ROCK inhibitor. When transplanted diabetic mice, pre-treated NOTCH inhibitor gave rise insulin-expressing Both primary ducts contained simultaneously express transcription factors SOX9, NKX6.1, PDX1. In addition, silico analysis identified progenitor-like clusters single-cell RNA sequencing dataset. Therefore, tri-lineage either pre-exist pancreas, or readily adapt culture.