Item – Theses Canada

​
OCLC number
720807055
Link(s) to full text
LAC copy
LAC copy
Author
Ratanshi, Imran.
Title
Evaluating the capacity of adult human mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into insulin-producing cells in vitro.
Degree
M. Sc. -- University of Calgary, 2009
Publisher
Ottawa : Library and Archives Canada = Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, [2010]
Description
3 microfiches
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have generated significant interest as a possible candidate cell type from which to develop a therapy for type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that destroys the insulin-producing [beta]-cells of the pancreas. Recent literature has demonstrated that MSCs can promote the formation of new insulin-producing cells 'in vitro'. However, researchers are currently uncertain as to whether it is the MSCs that differentiate to form [beta]-cells or if they induce other endogenous cell types to do so via the secretion of cytokines and other soluble paracrine factors. Consequently, the aim of this study was to characterize MSCs isolated from four adult human tissues and to evaluate their capacity to differentiate into insulin-producing cells. The results from this study found that none of the MSC populations harboured this capability, and that the use of MSCs to promote [beta]-cell formation via paracrine mechanisms may be a more promising avenue to pursue.
ISBN
9780494511428
0494511427