hESC-derived pancreatic progenitors.

Successful derivation of pancreatic progenitors from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro and further differentiation towards functional β cells in vivo may create the possibility of using hESC-derived pancreatic progenitors (PPs), instead of derived β cells, as an alternative transplantable source in β cell replacement therapy. Here we discuss present approaches, as well as future alternatives, in the fields of basic and clinic research on β cell differentiation, derivation and transplantation.