(A) Primary acinar cells were isolated from mouse pancreas, infected with lentivirus harboring control, wildtype PKD1, active PKD1 (PKD1.CA), or kinase-dead PKD1 (PKD1.KD) and seeded in collagen 3D culture. At day 7, ductal structures formed were quantified. (B–D) Primary acinar cells were isolated from mouse pancreas, infected with lentivirus harboring control or active PKD1 (PKD1.CA) and seeded in collagen 3D culture. At day 7, ductal structures formed were photographed and ductal area (n=30) determined (B, the bar represents 100 μm). AC = acinar cells; the arrow indicates duct-like structure. Additionally, ducts were isolated and analyzed for markers of transdifferentiation (anti-CK-19, anti-amylase) and expression of active PKD1 using Western blot (C) or for markers of acinar cell de- and transdifferentiation (Pdx1, Mist-1, CK-19, mucin-1) using quantitative PCR (D). In all figures, * indicates statistical significance (p < 0.05; student’s t-test) as compared to control. Error bars (s. d.) were obtained from three experimental replicates. All experiments shown were performed at least 3 times with similar results.