Mesenchymal stem cells and the possibility of their transdifferentiation into insulin producing cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated in almost all tissues of the body. Their main source is bone marrow and adipose tissue. These cells are multipotent, e.g. they are capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types. They are able to migrate into damaged tissues. Their other relevant property is a specific suppression of imunity. In the body they serve as precursors for specialized cell types and they also participate in formation of specific tissue microenvironment. Their properties represent a great potential in a wide range of clinical therapies. Besides other possible applications they could be used in the therapy of diabetes mellitus type one. During this disease insulin producing -cells are destroyed. MSCs have been used in experimental in vitro and in vivo studies to differentiate into insulin producing cells. However these cells are not able to produce sufficient amounts of insulin to exclude the supportive administration of exogenous insulin. Therefore there is a need for further research in this field of possible therapy