Differentiating functional human islet-like aggregates from pluripotent stem cells

Abstract

We present here a robust and reliable protocol by which to differentiate pancreatic islet-like aggregates (SC-islets) from human pluripotent stem cells. The 7-stage protocol mimics developmental patterning factors that induce endocrine lineage formation and spans monolayer, microwell, and aggregate suspension culture. The SC-islets demonstrate dynamic glucose-sensitive insulin secretion and an endocrine cell composition similar to those of primary human islets. SC-islets generated using this optimized protocol are suitable for in vitro modeling of islet cell pathophysiology and therapeutic applications. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Balboa et al. (2022).