Project description:Human liver progenitor cells (LPCs) show therapeutic potential, however, their in vitro culture results in inadequate function and phenotypic instability reflecting incomplete understanding of in vivo processes. Foetal LPCs capable of differentiation to a hepatocyte phenotype were isolated and mRNA expression profiling carried out using Exiqon miRCURY microarrays. This was compared to profiles from mature human hepatocytes. Foetal LPCs exhibit a distinct miRNA profile consistent with a stem cell signature, cell division, and some liver-specific functions. 3 independent samples of second trimester liver progenitor cells were prolfiled along with 3 independent mature hepatocyte samples.
Project description:We analyzed gene expression of hepatocytic parental progenitor cells in a population of small hepatocytes. The hepatocytic parental progenitor cells possess self-renewal capability. These cells maintain the ability to differentiate into mature hepatocytes.
Project description:Human liver progenitor cells (LPCs) show therapeutic potential, however, their in vitro culture results in inadequate function and phenotypic instability reflecting incomplete understanding of in vivo processes. Foetal LPCs capable of differentiation to a hepatocyte phenotype were isolated and mRNA expression profiling carried out using Exiqon miRCURY microarrays. This was compared to profiles from mature human hepatocytes. Foetal LPCs exhibit a distinct miRNA profile consistent with a stem cell signature, cell division, and some liver-specific functions.
Project description:We examined how each chemical contributed to hepatocyte revitalization by removing each component of the 5C induction cocktail individually. We then compared deach chemical contributed to hepatocyte revitalization by removing each component of the 5C induction cocktail individually
Project description:Transplantation of genetically corrected hepatocytes is an attractive alternative to liver transplantation but is hampered by the low amplification potential of these cells in vitro. Here, we describe a method for generating proliferative hepatic progenitor cells (iHPC) from human hepatocytes as an expandable cell source for liver therapy. Dedifferentiation of primary hepatocytes to iHPC was achieved in less than 7 days by culturing the cells in medium with a cocktail of growth factors and small molecules. In culture, iHPC expressed a combination of endoderm hepatic progenitor and mesenchymal stem cell markers and proliferated vigorously, allowing for their expansion by at least 104 times. RNA sequencing of iHPC demonstrated that they displayed far more subtle changes in both transcriptome and transposcriptome, compared to hepatocyte-derived iPSC. Finally, transplantation of iHPC into the liver of immuno-deficient mice showed iHPC differentiation potential in vivo, without triggering detectable tumor development.