Description
We recently reported the scalable in vitro production of functional stem cell-derived cells. Here we extend this approach to generate SC- cells from Type 1 diabetic patients (T1D), a cell type that is destroyed during disease progression and has not been possible to extensively study. These cells express cell markers, respond to glucose both in vitro and in vivo, prevent alloxan-induced diabetes in mice, and respond to anti-diabetic drugs. Furthermore, we use an in vitro disease model to demonstrate the cells respond to different forms of cell stress. Using these assays, we find no major differences in T1D SC- cells compared to SC- cells derived from non-diabetic patients (ND). These results show that T1D SC- cells can be used for the treatment of diabetes, drug screening, and the study of cell biology.