Generation of insulin-producing cells from PDX1 and NKX6.1 gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To differentiate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into functional insulin-producing cells to produce sufficient pancreatic islet cells for transplantation. METHODS: Recombinant adenovirus vectors carrying PDX1 and NKX6.1 genes were constructed and the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were infected by the recombinant adenovirus combined with several cytokines for differentiation. The expressions of PDX1, NKX6.1 and insulin and C-peptide in the differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. After the differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were transplanted into subrenal capsule of diabetic mice, cell morphology of the grafts as well as their secretion of insulin and C-peptide were detected. Besides, regulating capacities of grafts on the blood glucose level of the diabetic mice were also detected. RESULTS: BMSCs induced by recombinant adenovirus (pAdxsi-CMV-PDX1/CMV-NKX6.1) and several cytokines showed positive dithizone staining and the expressions of β-cell related molecule such as insulin and glucose transporter 2 were detected by RT-PCR, which showed a sustaining and stable expression. The similar results were showed by Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining and indirect immunofluorescence. The insulin secretions in the cells stimulated with glucose at concentrations of 5.5 and 25 mmol/L in the experimental group were (1 240.4±109.3) mU/L and (3 539.8±245.1) mU/L, respectively, and were significantly higher than those in control group. Moreover, transplantation of the cells to STZ mice in treatment group made serum glucose recover to normal level. CONCLUSION: PDX1 and NKX6.1 gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into insulin-producing cells in vitro. When these cells transplanted into STZ induced diabetic mice, their serum glucose could return to the normal level and they could live well. Thus this is a promising method for diabetes treatment.