Human liver cells expressing albumin and mesenchymal characteristics give rise to insulin-producing cells.

ABSTRACT: Activation of the pancreatic lineage in the liver has been suggested as a potential autologous cell replacement therapy for diabetic patients. Transcription factors-induced liver-to-pancreas reprogramming has been demonstrated in numerous species both in vivo and in vitro. However, human-derived liver cells capable of acquiring the alternate pancreatic repertoire have never been characterized. It is yet unknown whether hepatic-like stem cells or rather adult liver cells give rise to insulin-producing cells. Using an in vitro experimental system, we demonstrate that proliferating adherent human liver cells acquire mesenchymal-like characteristics and a considerable level of cellular plasticity. However, using a lineage-tracing approach, we demonstrate that insulin-producing cells are primar

SUBMITTER: Meivar-Levy I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3163017 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature