Differential Integrin Expression Facilitates Isolation of Human Fetal Pancreatic Epithelial Cells

We have studied the expression of the β1 family of integrins in fetal and adult human pancreas. Immunohistochemical staining with a monoclonal anti-β1 antibody revealed that the epithelial cells of the human fetal pancreas express high amounts of β1 integrin, while the pancreatic stromal cells express substantially lower amounts. Islets of Langerhans from human adult pancreas also expressed high amounts of β1 integrin. Taking advantage of the extremely high affinity binding between the invasin protein of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and many β1 integrins, we have been able to isolate highly enriched populations of fetal pancreatic epithelial cells. Epithelial-enriched cell populations retain the ability to differentiate into mature endocrine cells following transplantation into nude mice.