Abstract: To use embryo pancreas extract (EPE) from rats to induce pancreatic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hASCs) into insulin-secretion cells, and to find new cell source for islet transplantation in clinic.Methods  The pancreatic micro-circumstance was built for hASCs to differentiate into　insulin-secretoin cells by extracting protein complex from new born SD rats.The hASCs in experiment group were induced by EPE and the cells in control group were cultured without EPE.20 d after induction,the expression levels of genes related with pancreas development  were detected by real-time PCR.ELISA  was used to detect the insulin secretion levels in experiment and control groups.The C-peptide expression was verified by fluorescent immunocytochemistry.Results The expressions of key markers of hASCs Oct 3/4 and Nanog were decreased in the process of EPE induction.On the 6th day after induction,the expression levels of POX-1 and CK-19 were up-regulated;and on the 12nd day,the insulin expression was positive.The insulin levels secreted by differentiated cells with and without glucose stimulation(401.09 mIU•L^-1±28.94 mIU•L^-1  vs   287.17 mIU•L-1± 15.67 mIU•L^-1,P<0.01) were much higher than that of undifferentiated cells (4.85 mIU•L-1±1.04 mIU•L-1,P<0.01).The C-peptide　positive cells　were found in protein by fluorescent immunocytochemistry in experiment  group.Conclusion hASCs have the potential to differentiate into pancreas cell lineages with EPE induction.They could become substitution of islet cells in treatment of diabetes mellitus.
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Key words: mesenchymal stem cells, pancreas, differentiation, cell transplantation