Differentiation of embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells promoted by Nkx2.2 gene transfer

Figure 1 Expression of Nkx2. 2 in parental (wt-ES cells) and Nkx2.2-transfected ES cells (Nkx-ES cells). A: Nkx-ES cells, but not wt-ES cells, expressed Nkx2.2 mRNA; B: Nkx2.2 protein was mainly observed in the nuclei of Nkx-ES cells. Original magnification, ×200.

Figure 2 A-F: Early appearance of insulin-producing cells in EB outgrowths. An outline of the culture processes and results of DTZ-staining are shown. Scale bar represents 100 µm in length.

Figure 3 Gene expression and immunohistochemistry findings for differentiating EB outgrowths. A: The expression of Pdx 1, Nkx2.2, pro-insulin 1 and pro-insulin 2 was examined in differentiating wt-ES cells and Nkx-ES cells; B: Insulin-immunoreactivity was examined in the EB outgrowths with DTZ-staining. Scale bars represent 100 µm in length.