Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying, obtaining and/or quantifying a culture of pancreatic cells selected from the group consisting of ductal/endocrine progenitor cells, endocrine progenitor cells, early endocrine cells, and fully differentiated endocrine cells. Also contemplated is a method of expanding the numbers of such cells as well as sorting such cells. The invention further relates to a selective cell surface marker, DDR1, that permits the selection of a unique subset of cells with pancreatic endocrine progenitor phenotype. Furthermore, the invention relates to isolated cells selected from such cells and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying, obtaining and/or quantifying a culture of pancreatic cells selected from the group consisting of ductal/endocrine progenitor cells, endocrine progenitor cells, early endocrine cells, and fully differentiated endocrine cells. Also contemplated is a method of expanding the numbers of such cells as well as sorting such cells. The invention further relates to a selective cell surface marker, DDR1, that permits the selection of a unique subset of cells with pancreatic endocrine progenitor phenotype. Furthermore, the invention relates to isolated cells selected from such cells and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods which can be used to test agents for their ability 5 to modulate cell proliferation, differentiation and other biological activities of target cells such as stem cells. In addition, the invention is also directed to methods for modulating a biological activity of target cells in vitro, to the cells whose biological activity is modulated by such methods, to the cells that may be produced from target cells by such methods, and to the use of such cells for transplantation, transfusion and other purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for generating insulin secreting cells from precursor stem cells or from adult pancreatic exocrine cells. The methods of the invention are useful, for example, for generation of glucose sensitive insulin-secreting &bgr;-cells suitable for transplantation, as well as for in situ development of insulin-secreting cells in a patient in need thereof. Further, the method of the invention relates to methods for preventing premature differentiation of precursor stem cells into insulin-secreting &bgr;-cells. Still further, the invention relates to assay methods for identification of compounds that prevent or activate &bgr;-cell differentiation.