Small molecules convert fibroblasts into islet-like cells avoiding pluripotent state.
Obtaining large numbers of functional pancreatic islets via direct cellular reprogramming is an important clinically relevant goal. In a recent issue of Cell Stem Cell, Li et al. (2014) report a new step-wise protocol for generating islet cells from mouse embryonic fibroblasts using a combination of soluble molecules.
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, Integrative Biology and Infectious Disease Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892-4878, USA. Electronic address: nadyal@nidcr.nih.gov.
Nadya
N
Lumelsky
D000818:Animals; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000187:drug effects*; D065150:Cellular Reprogramming / Q000187:drug effects*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D010179:Pancreas / Q000166:cytology*; D054852:Small Molecule Libraries / Q000494:pharmacology*
D054852:Small Molecule Libraries