The use of Wnt3a

Hello there. I'm not a researcher in this field, but I have a mom with type 2 diabetes. A news article : http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21019-diabetic-rats-cured-with-their-own-stem-cells.html a few months ago caught my interest and I just wanted to know more about the processes involved.

In the context of this forum, I would be glad if anyone can provide more information on this step:

"Next, the team extracted neural stem cells from the tissue and exposed them to Wnt3a – a human protein that switches on insulin production – and to an antibody that blocks a natural inhibitor of insulin production.

After multiplying the stem cells for two weeks, they placed them on thin sheets of collagen which act as a removable scaffold. This allowed the team to lay the sheets incorporating the cells on top of the rats' pancreas without harming the organ itself."

is it a relatively 'safe' procedure? (Introducing the stem cells to wnt3a, and the implanting of them on your pancreas I mean. Is there any risk of the newly formed beta cells turning malignant....

Is the procedure for multiplying stem cells and transplanting them into people (potentially) safe?

Also, are the procedures involved in that experiment standard in labs, or is it cutting edge, ie there are still clear issues to address before it becomes a viable treatment option.

Obviously, my knowledge on these things are minimal, and the questions reflect that. Thanks for any info.