Effect of a 3D Scaffold of Decellularized Rat Stomach Tissue on The Function of Insulin-Producing Cells (MIN6)

Abstract

Background and purpose: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an insulin-dependent disease, that results from the destruction of pancreatic islets beta cells. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of decellularized gastric matrix (DSM) on the function of Min6 cells (a beta cell line). Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the stomachs of Wistar rats were decellularized with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100. The DSM was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, determination of residual DNA and histological examinations. After seeding the Min6 cells on the DSM scaffold, the glucose challenge test and mRNA expression of insulin-related genes were examined to evaluate the function of the cells. Results: The main components of the DSM, such as collagens and glycosaminoglycans, remained intact after decellularization. In addition, the very low DNA residues and the suitable mechanical behavior of the DSM provided an ideal extracellular microenvironment for the Min6 cells. The glucose challenge test showed that the seeded cells secreted more insulin and C-peptide in the DSM than in the 2D culture. The expression of specific insulin-related genes such as Pdx-1, INS, MAF-A, and Glut-2 was significantly higher in the recellularized scaffold than in the traditional 2D cells. Conclusion: These results show that DSM is a suitable scaffold for the stabilization of artificial pancreatic islets.

Keywords

• decellularized stomach matrix
• insulin
• min6 cell line