Evidence for Hepatocyte Differentiation from Embryonic Stem Cells In Vitro

We confirmed hepatocyte differentiation from embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro. RT-PCR analysis revealed that a broad range of hepatic gene expression was observed in ES cells differentiated through formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) and its attachment culture. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed th...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hitoshi Miyashita, Atsushi Suzuki, Katashi Fukao, Hiromitsu Nakauchi, Hideki Taniguchi M.D., Ph.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2002-07-01
Series:Cell Transplantation
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.3727/000000002783985675
Description
Summary:We confirmed hepatocyte differentiation from embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro. RT-PCR analysis revealed that a broad range of hepatic gene expression was observed in ES cells differentiated through formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) and its attachment culture. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that hepatic gene expression related to early and late-stage liver development were enhanced through in vitro differentiation of ES cells. The presence of albumin-producing cells in the peripheral region of attached EBs was confirmed by immunocytochemical analysis. Future experiments will reveal the molecules that induce hepatocyte differentiation from ES cells in vitro. This research will provide systems for the investigation of mechanisms in liver development and establish a method of ES cell-based therapy for liver diseases.
ISSN:0963-6897
1555-3892