Targeted differentiation of stem cells induced by glucagon-like peptide-1

Recent evidence has shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 ( GLP-1 ) plays an important role in targeted differentiation of stem cells.It can increase the differentiation rate of stem cells into insulin-producing ones apparently,and improve the cells' reactivity to high glucose.This effect may be achieved by upregulating some critical transcription factors which are closely related with pancreatic functions and maturity,strengthening G protein-coupled receptor ( GPCR ) signaling pathways,and exciting the regulator of G-protein signaling( Rgs ) 16 and 8 expressions.Thus GLP-1 may be used to induce differentiation of stem cells intofunctional insulin producing-cells ex vitro for autologous transplantation.These findings provide new approaches to cure diabetes mellitus. Key words: Glucagon-like peptide-1; Diabetes mellitus; Stem cells; Insulin-producing cell; Transplant