Human embryonic stem cells (hES cells) are pluripotent and provide a unique, unlimited resource for human hepatocytes, which can serve as a novel cell source for cell transplantation and bioartificial liver (BAL). Here, we have developed a procedure by which hES cells can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. After being cultured in suspension in bacteriological petri dishes for 7 d, hES cells developed into cystic embryoid bodies (EBs). The EBs were then cultured in conditional medium containing dexa- methasone and insulin in collagen type I-coated tissue culture dishes for two weeks. The hES cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) displayed some morphologic characteristics of hepatocytes. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence cell staining proved that the induced HLCs expressed several hepatocyte specific genes including AFP, ALB, CYP1B1 and cytokeratins CK18 and CK19. Furthermore, the induced cells executed a range of hepa- tocyte functions, such as ICG uptake/excretion, glycogen deposits, albumin production and ammonium metabolism. Taken together, our results show that HLCs exhibit similar morphologic, phenotypic, and functional characteristics to hepatocytes.
Hepatocyte transplantation and bioartificial liver (BAL) as alternatives to liver transplantation offer the possibility of effective treatment for many inherited and acquired hepatic disorders. Unfortunately, the limited availability of donated livers and the variability of their derived hepatocytes make it difficult to obtain enough viable human hepatocytes for the hepatocyte-based therapies. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which could be isolated directly from the blastocyst inner cell mass, have permanent self-renewal capability and developmental pluripotency and therefore might be an ideal cell source in the treatment of hepatic discords. However, differentiation of hESCs into hepatocytes with significant numbers remains a challenge. This review updates our current understanding of differentiation of ESCs into hepatic lineage cells, their future therapeutic uses and problems in liver regeneration.
