Phenotypic and functional analyses show stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells better mimic fetal rather than adult hepatocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs), differentiated from pluripotent stem cells by the use of soluble factors, can model human liver function and toxicity. However, at present HLC maturity and whether any deficit represents a true fetal state or aberrant differentiation is unclear and compounded by comparison to potentially deteriorated adult hepatocytes. Therefore, we generated HLCs from multiple lineages, using two different protocols, for direct comparison with fresh fetal and adult hepatocytes.

Methods

Protocols were developed for robust differentiation. Multiple transcript, protein and functional analyses compared HLCs to fresh human fetal and adult hepatocytes.

Results

HLCs were comparable to those of other laboratories by multiple parameters. Transcr

SUBMITTER: Baxter M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4334496 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature