Abstract: The invention provides animal models, where the ectopic expression of KGF, EGF, or both is under the control of a pancreas-specific promoter, e.g., the insulin promoter. The expression of KGF in the ins-KGF pancreatic islets of Langerhans results in enlarged islets, with substantial proliferation of duct cells within the islet mass, and the presence of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein-producing hepatocytes in the islets of the ins-KGF pancreata. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for identifying and isolating pancreatic stem/progenitor cells, including a common stem/progenitor to liver cells and pancreatic cells.

Abstract: Methods for isolating pancreatic progenitor 1 genes are provided. The pancreatic progenitor 1 nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: The differential expression of marker proteins in a targeted population provides a means of identifying and isolating cells. A population of cells associated with the regeneration of pancreatic islets is shown to express certain proteins, including the cell surface proteins ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4; and the nuclear protein Msx-2. Populations of isolated pancreatic islet progenitor cells find use in screening assays, to characterize genes involved in islet development and regulation, and in transplantation to provide a recipient with pancreatic islet functions.

Abstract: The differential expression of marker proteins in a targeted population provides a means of identifying and isolating cells. A population of cells associated with the regeneration of pancreatic islets is shown to express certain proteins, including the cell surface proteins ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4; and the nuclear protein Msx-2. Populations of isolated pancreatic islet progenitor cells find use in screening assays, to characterize genes involved in islet development and regulation, and in transplantation to provide a recipient with pancreatic islet functions.

Abstract: The invention provides animal models, where the ectopic expression of KGF, EGF, or both is under the control of a pancreas-specific promoter, e.g., the insulin promoter. The expression of KGF in the ins-KGF pancreatic islets of Langerhans results in enlarged islets, with substantial proliferation of duct cells within the islet mass, and the presence of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein-producing hepatocytes in the islets of the ins-KGF pancreata. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for identifying and isolating pancreatic stem/progenitor cells, including a common stem/progenitor to liver cells and pancreatic cells.

Abstract: Methods for isolating pancreatic progenitor 1 genes are provided. The pancreatic progenitor 1 nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related proteins and the DNA sequences encoding such proteins; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. In addition, modulation of the gene activity in vivo is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes, such as identification of cell type based on expression, and the like.

Abstract: The differential expression of marker proteins in a targeted population provides a means of identifying and isolating cells. A population of cells associated with the regeneration of pancreatic islets is shown to express certain proteins, including the cell surface proteins ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4; and the nuclear protein Msx-2. Populations of isolated pancreatic islet progenitor cells find use in screening assays, to characterize genes involved in islet development and regulation, and in transplantation to provide a recipient with pancreatic islet functions.

Abstract: The invention provides animal models, where the ectopic expression of KGF, EGF, or both is under the control of a pancreas-specific promoter, e.g., the insulin promoter. The expression of KGF in the ins-KGF pancreatic islets of Langerhans results in enlarged islets, with substantial proliferation of duct cells within the islet mass, and the presence of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein-producing hepatocytes in the islets of the ins-KGF pancreata. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for identifying and isolating pancreatic stem/progenitor cells, including a common stem/progenitor to liver cells and pancreatic cells.

Abstract: The invention provides animal models, where the ectopic expression of KGF, EGF, or both is under the control of a pancreas-specific promoter, e.g., the insulin promoter. The expression of KGF in the ins-KGF pancreatic islets of Langerhans results in enlarged islets, with substantial proliferation of duct cells within the islet mass, and the presence of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein-producing hepatocytes in the islets of the ins-KGF pancreata. The compositions and methods disclosed are useful for identifying and isolating pancreatic stem/progenitor cells, including a common stem/progenitor to liver cells and pancreatic cells.