In addition to gaining CD133 expression, these cells also showed up-regulation of ductal markers (Sox9, Ck19) and down-regulation of acinar markers (AMY2B, PTF1a) when compared with UEA-1highCD133− cells, thus supporting the idea that acinar cells have the potential to convert to ductal-like cells (AD cells). This evidence concerns the gene SOX9 and Alzheimer disease.