The subject invention concerns new methods which make it possible, for the first time, to grow functional islet-producing stem cells (IPSCs), islet progenitor cells (IPCs) and IPC-derived islets (IdIs) in in vitro cultures.

For example, pancreatic β islet cells may be modified to produce controllable levels of insulin.

Cells which may be selected for isolation by glucose or a glucose substitute are islets, neurons, incretin secreting cells and cells transfected with the GLUT 2 gene.

The islets of Langerhans can influence each other through paracrine and autocrine communication.

In turn, this caused the death of insulin-producing islet cells.

Nestin has been identified as a molecular marker for pancreatic stem cells, while cytokeratin-19 serves as a marker for a distinct class of islet ductal cells.

Patients having NIDDM are tested for the presence of autoantibodies to human islet cell glutamic acid decarboxylase.

Transplantation of cells that produce insulin (islet cells—see Pancreas Transplantation), located in the pancreas, is sometimes done and may result in a cure.

Transplantation of cells that produce insulin (islet cells—see Pancreas Transplantation), located in the pancreas, is sometimes done and may result in a cure.

Thus, it is fundamental to understand how these areas acquire and maintain their identity and functional organization.

This new method starts with a nanoporous polymer thread that is then covered with an alginate hydrogel which holds the insulin-producing islet cells.

Inspired by a spider’s web the team created an easily implantable nanoporous thread that can hold hundreds of thousands of insulin-producing islet cells and be easily removed when they need to come out.

Inspired by a spider's web, the team created an easily implantable nanoporous thread that can hold hundreds of thousands of insulin-producing islet cells and be easily removed when they need to come out.

Inspired by a spider’s web, the team created an easily implantable nanoporous thread that can hold hundreds of thousands of insulin-producing islet cells and be easily removed when they need to come out.