Islet-derived stellate-like cells as a novel source for islet neogenesis in chicks

Abstract

The therapeutic potential of stem cells has led to renewed interest in regenerative biology. Pancreatic stellate cells have been reported in the mammalian pancreas; however, there are very few reports on stellate cells in the chicken pancreas. The intercalated duct epithelial cells observed in the A and B islets of the chicken pancreas have been claimed to be stellate cells from their morphological appearance. While isolating islets and acinar cells from the chick pancreas, we have found a population of stellate-like cells, which has been successfully propagated in a defined nutrient medium. These cells were immunopositive for vimentin, desmin, and fibronectin and also expressed alkaline phosphatase, indicating their undifferentiated state. On exposure to serum-free medium containing specific nutrients and differentiating agents, these stellate-like-cells gave rise to islet-like cell clusters. Islet-like clusters stained positive for the islet specific stain diphenyl thiocarbazone and were immunopositive for C-peptide indicating de novo insulin synthesis. These clusters secreted insulin in response to glucose challenge, thus suggesting their similarity to islets. Thus stellate cells found in chick pancreatic islets exhibit potential to differentiate into islet-like clusters. Taken together, our study documents for the first time the presence of a stellate-like cell population in chick pancreatic islets providing a source for islet neogenesis.

Isolation and characterization of islet stellate cells in rat

“…3,4 However, more recent studies have described α-SMA positive cells, identified as PSCs, in the islets of humans with T2DM and in animal models. 16,[20][21][22] In the current study we identify an α-SMA positive population of stellate cells within isolated islets which are similar, but not identical to classical PSCs, and which we have called islet stellate cells. In view of the central role of PSCs in pancreatic fibrosis, we suggest that ISCs may contribute to the islet fibrosis in the development of T2DM.…”

“…But chick ISCs showed spontaneous adipogenesis after 2nd and 3rd passages, which was different in rat ISCs. 22 The diabetic environment provides numerous signals which could lead to stellate cell activation. Thus, previous studies using classical PSCs have demonstrated that hyperglycemia, 16,31 activation of the RAS, 32 oxidative stress, 17,30 platelet-derived growth factors, 33 and inflammatory cytokines 34 all enhance PSC activation and proliferation.…”

Phenotypic characterization of GPR120-expressing cells in the interstitial tissue of pancreas

“…Nestin and vimentin are markers of stellate cells and mesenchymal cells (Datar and Bhonde, 2009;Lardon et al, 2002;Omary et al, 2004Omary et al, , 2007. We found the distribution of nestin-positive cells and vimentin-positive cells in the interstitial tissues of pancreas.…”

Pancreatic progenitors: The shortest route to restore islet cell mass

“…PSCs from rat and human pancreata have demonstrated their self-renewal and differentiation capacity and give rise to all three germ layers ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. 52 In similar lines, studies by Datar and Bhonde et al 53 reported for the first time the presence of a stellate-like cell population in chick pancreatic islets, suggesting stellate cells could form a new source for islet neogenesis. Further, establishment of chick PSC culture would provide an alternative model for testing factors having mitogenic and islet neogenic properties.…”