Characterization of Tibetan Mastiff pancreatic progenitor cells and differentiation into insulin-secreting cells

It is the first time to explore the biological characterization and differentiation of Tibetan Mastiff derived pancreatic progenitor cells. In this investigation, we isolated, purified, and cultured the pancreatic progenitor cells (PPCs) from islet tissue. PPCs could be cultured until passage 13 with a typical spindle shape and they were positive to the mesenchymal stem cells surface markers, while negative to the epithelial cells specific marker CK19. Immunofluorescence staining analysis was conducted and the results demonstrated that PPCs expressed NESTIN, NKX6.1, PDX1 and VIMENTIN. Results of karyotype indicates a stable property for PPCs. Differentiated insulinsecreting cells were detected through morphology observation, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining and dithizone staining. All results revealed the differentiation was successful and efficient.