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Long-Term Ex Vivo Expansion of Murine Spermatogonial Stem Cells in a Simple Serum-Free Medium. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 32474876 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0655-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) possess both self-renewal and differentiation abilities to sustain lifelong production of enormous numbers of spermatozoa in males. SSCs hold a unique position among tissue-specific stem cells in adults because of their ability to transmit the genetic information to subsequent generations. Ex vivo expansion of SSCs in conjunction with their transplantation is highly invaluable to study SSCs and develop new reproductive technologies for therapeutic applications. In this chapter, we describe a culture system involving a simple serum-free medium for mouse SSCs. Elimination of the serum from the culture is important to enhance the effects of exogenous factors, which are rather masked by the serum, and to avert the serum-induced inflammatory responses of testicular mesenchymal cells, which cause adverse effects on SSC proliferation. Consequently, using this culture system has proven for the first time that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was found to be the key factor to drive the self-renewing proliferation of SSCs, and fibroblast growth factor 2 enhanced the GDNF-dependent proliferation of SSCs. Besides determining these two key cytokines, the simplicity of the system enabled individual modification of its components to develop long-term cultures of rat and rabbit SSCs. The basics of these culture systems will enable development of the culture conditions for human and other mammalian SSCs in the near future.
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2
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Tavares MR, de Castro RVG, Pieri NCG, Cruz NRN, Martins DS, Ambrósio CE, Garcia JM, Camplesi AC, Bressan FF, Toniollo GH. Identification of hepatic progenitor cells in the canine fetal liver. Res Vet Sci 2020; 133:239-245. [PMID: 33032111 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The liver plays essential roles in human and animal organisms, such as the storage, release, metabolism, and elimination of various endogenous or exogenous substances. Although its vital importance, few treatments are yet available when a hepatic failure occurs, and hence, the use of stem cells has arisen as a possible solution for both human and veterinary medicines. Previous studies have shown the existence of hepatic progenitor cells in human fetuses that were positive for EpCAM and NCAM. There is limited evidence, however, further identification and characterization of these cells in other species. Considering the similarity between dogs and humans regarding physiology, and also the increasing importance of developing new treatments for both veterinary and translational medicine, this study attempted to identify hepatic progenitor cells in canine fetal liver. For that, livers from canine fetuses were collected, cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion and cultured. Cells were characterized regarding morphology and expression of EpCAM, NCAM, Nestin, and Thy-1/CD90 markers. Our results suggest that it is possible to identify hepatic progenitor cells in the canine fetal liver; however, for therapeutic use, further techniques for cellular isolation and culture are necessary to obtain enriched populations of hepatic progenitors from the canine fetal liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Tavares
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Animal Science, State University of São Paulo, Jaboticabal/SP, Brazil.
| | - R V G de Castro
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Animal Science, State University of São Paulo, Jaboticabal/SP, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga/SP, Brazil
| | - N C G Pieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga/SP, Brazil
| | - N R N Cruz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Surgery, Faculty of Agricultural and Animal Science, State University of São Paulo, Jaboticabal/SP, Brazil
| | - D S Martins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga/SP, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - C E Ambrósio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga/SP, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - J M Garcia
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Animal Science, State University of São Paulo, Jaboticabal/SP, Brazil
| | - A C Camplesi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Surgery, Faculty of Agricultural and Animal Science, State University of São Paulo, Jaboticabal/SP, Brazil
| | - F F Bressan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga/SP, Brazil; Post-Graduate Program in Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil..
| | - G H Toniollo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Animal Science, State University of São Paulo, Jaboticabal/SP, Brazil
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3
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Sanjo H, Yao T, Katagiri K, Sato T, Matsumura T, Komeya M, Yamanaka H, Yao M, Matsuhisa A, Asayama Y, Ikeda K, Kano K, Aoki J, Arita M, Ogawa T. Antioxidant vitamins and lysophospholipids are critical for inducing mouse spermatogenesis under organ culture conditions. FASEB J 2020; 34:9480-9497. [PMID: 32474967 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000245r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In vitro mouse spermatogenesis using a classical organ culture method became possible by supplementing basal culture medium with only the product of bovine serum albumin purified by chromatography (AlbuMAX), which indicated that AlbuMAX contained every chemical factor necessary for mouse spermatogenesis. However, since the identity of these factors was unclear, improvements in culture media and our understanding of the nutritional and signal substances required for spermatogenesis were hindered. In the present study, chemically defined media (CDM) without AlbuMAX was used to evaluate each supplementary factor and their combinations for the induction of spermatogenesis. Similar to in vivo conditions, retinoic acid, triiodothyronine (T3 ), and testosterone (T) were needed. Based on differences in spermatogenic competence between AlbuMAX, fetal bovine serum, and adult bovine serum, we identified α-tocopherol, which strongly promoted spermatogenesis when combined with ascorbic acid and glutathione. Differences were also observed in the abilities of lipids extracted from AlbuMAX using two different methods to induce spermatogenesis. This led to the identification of lysophospholipids, particularly lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidic acid, and lysophosphatidylserine, as important molecules for spermatogenesis. New CDM formulated based on these results induced and promoted spermatogenesis as efficiently as AlbuMAX-containing medium. In vitro spermatogenesis with CDM may provide a unique experimental system for research on spermatogenesis that cannot be performed in in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Sanjo
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.,Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tatsuma Yao
- Research and Development Center, Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kumiko Katagiri
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Komeya
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamanaka
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yao
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akio Matsuhisa
- Research and Development Center, Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuta Asayama
- Research and Development Center, Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Cellular and Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.,Kazusa DNA Research Institute, Kisarazu, Japan
| | - Kuniyuki Kano
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Junken Aoki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Makoto Arita
- Laboratory for Metabolomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.,Cellular and Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.,Division of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Department of Urology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.,Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical and Regenerative Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
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4
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Directing the growth and alignment of biliary epithelium within extracellular matrix hydrogels. Acta Biomater 2019; 85:84-93. [PMID: 30590182 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels is a promising technique for regenerative engineering. 3D-printing enables the reproducible and precise patterning of multiple cells and biomaterials in 3D, while dECM has high organ-specific bioactivity. However, dECM hydrogels often display poor printability on their own and necessitate additives or support materials to enable true 3D structures. In this study, we used a sacrificial material, 3D-printed Pluronic F-127, to serve as a platform into which dECM hydrogel can be incorporated to create specifically designed structures made entirely up of dECM. The effects of 3D dECM are studied in the context of engineering the intrahepatic biliary tree, an often-understudied topic in liver tissue engineering. Encapsulating biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes) within liver dECM has been shown to lead to the formation of complex biliary trees in vitro. By varying several aspects of the dECM structures' geometry, such as width and angle, we show that we can guide the directional formation of biliary trees. This is confirmed by computational 3D image analysis of duct alignment. This system also enables fabrication of a true multi-layer dECM structure and the formation of 3D biliary trees into which other cell types can be seeded. For example, we show that hepatocyte spheroids can be easily incorporated within this system, and that the seeding sequence influences the resulting structures after seven days in culture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The field of liver tissue engineering has progressed significantly within the past several years, however engineering the intrahepatic biliary tree has remained a significant challenge. In this study, we utilize the inherent bioactivity of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels and 3D-printing of a sacrificial biomaterial to create spatially defined, 3D biliary trees. The creation of patterned, 3D dECM hydrogels in the past has only been possible with additives to the gel that may stifle its bioactivity, or with rigid and permanent support structures that may present issues upon implantation. Additionally, the biological effect of 3D spatially patterned liver dECM has not been demonstrated independent of the effects of dECM bioactivity alone. This study demonstrates that sacrificial materials can be used to create pure, multi-layer dECM structures, and that strut width and angle can be changed to influence the formation and alignment of biliary trees encapsulated within. Furthermore, this strategy allows co-culture of other cells such as hepatocytes. We demonstrate that not only does this system show promise for tissue engineering the intrahepatic biliary tree, but it also aids in the study of duct formation and cell-cell interactions.
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Chinnici CM, Pietrosi G, Iannolo G, Amico G, Cuscino N, Pagano V, Conaldi PG. Mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from human fetal liver release soluble factors with a potential role in liver tissue repair. Differentiation 2018; 105:14-26. [PMID: 30553176 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We isolated a population of proliferating cells from cultured human fetal hepatocytes of 16-22 weeks gestational age. The cells shared a similar phenotype to that of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) according to the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT), including plastic adherence, antigen expression profile, and in vitro multilineage differentiation potential. Fetal liver (FL)-MSCs expressed the albumin gene, and harbored a subpopulation of CK18+ cells (20-40%), which defined their hepatic origin. However, when subjected to in vitro hepatic differentiation, FL-MSCs did not acquire significant liver functions. Quantitative analysis of conditioned medium (CM) collected from cultured cells revealed the presence of growth factors and chemokines with potential liver regenerative properties, the most relevant of which (concentration ≥3000 pg/ml) were SDF-1 alpha, IL-6, MCP-1, IL-8, MIP-1 beta, VEGF-A, Gro-alpha, and HGF. Culturing of FL-MSCs as spheroids significantly enhanced the secretion of HGF and bFGF (approximately 5-fold) compared with culture monolayers. Moreover, CM assessed in vitro induced capillary-like organization and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and fibroblasts as target cells. Interestingly, exosomes isolated from CM induced similar cellular responses in vitro with high efficiency and in a dose-dependent manner. FL-MSCs underwent several in vitro subcultivations, and did not stimulate allogenic T-cell proliferation thus suggesting a low immunogenicity. Furthermore, 5-year cryopreservation did not affect cell viability (approximately 90% of viable post-thawed FL-MSCs). These observations support the feasibility of a cell bank establishment for allogenic transplantation. We concluded that FL-MSCs or they secreted factors may be a valid alternative to hepatocyte transplantation in liver cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Maria Chinnici
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo, Italy; Department of Research, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giada Pietrosi
- Hepatology Unit, Department for the Treatment and Study of Abdominal Diseases and Abdominal Transplantation, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Giandomenico Amico
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo, Italy; Department of Research, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
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6
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Fomin ME, Beyer AI, Muench MO. Human fetal liver cultures support multiple cell lineages that can engraft immunodeficient mice. Open Biol 2018; 7:rsob.170108. [PMID: 29237808 PMCID: PMC5746544 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.170108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During prenatal development the liver is composed of multiple cell types with unique properties compared to their adult counterparts. We aimed to establish multilineage cultures of human fetal liver cells that could maintain stem cell and progenitor populations found in the developing liver. An aim of this study was to test if maturation of fetal hepatocytes in short-term cultures supported by epidermal growth factor and oncostatin M can improve their ability to engraft immunodeficient mice. Fetal liver cultures supported a mixture of albumin+ cytokertin-19+ hepatoblasts, hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, CD14++CD32+ liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and CD34+CD133+ haematopoietic stem cells. Transplantation of cultured cells into uPA-NOG or TK-NOG mice yielded long-term engraftment of hepatocytes, abundant LSEC engraftment and multilineage haematopoiesis. Haematopoietic engraftment included reconstitution of B-, T- and NK-lymphocytes. Colonies of polarized human hepatocytes were observed surrounded by human LSECs in contact with human CD45+ blood cells in the liver sinusoids. Thus, fetal liver cultures support multiple cell lineages including LSECs and haematopoietic stem cells while also promoting the ability of fetal hepatocytes to engraft adult mouse livers. Fetal liver cultures and liver-humanized mice created from these cultures can provide useful model systems to study liver development, function and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina E Fomin
- Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ashley I Beyer
- Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marcus O Muench
- Blood Systems Research Institute, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA .,Liver Center and Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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7
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Tocchio A, Durmus NG, Sridhar K, Mani V, Coskun B, El Assal R, Demirci U. Magnetically Guided Self-Assembly and Coding of 3D Living Architectures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:10.1002/adma.201705034. [PMID: 29215164 PMCID: PMC5847371 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201705034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In nature, cells self-assemble at the microscale into complex functional configurations. This mechanism is increasingly exploited to assemble biofidelic biological systems in vitro. However, precise coding of 3D multicellular living materials is challenging due to their architectural complexity and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Therefore, there is an unmet need for an effective assembly method with deterministic control on the biomanufacturing of functional living systems, which can be used to model physiological and pathological behavior. Here, a universal system is presented for 3D assembly and coding of cells into complex living architectures. In this system, a gadolinium-based nonionic paramagnetic agent is used in conjunction with magnetic fields to levitate and assemble cells. Thus, living materials are fabricated with controlled geometry and organization and imaged in situ in real time, preserving viability and functional properties. The developed method provides an innovative direction to monitor and guide the reconfigurability of living materials temporally and spatially in 3D, which can enable the study of transient biological mechanisms. This platform offers broad applications in numerous fields, such as 3D bioprinting and bottom-up tissue engineering, as well as drug discovery, developmental biology, neuroscience, and cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tocchio
- Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA
| | - Naside Gozde Durmus
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94304
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94304
| | - Kaushik Sridhar
- Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA
| | - Vigneshwaran Mani
- Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA
| | - Bukre Coskun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Rami El Assal
- Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA
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8
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Chinnici CM, Miceli V, Pampalone M, Lo Nigro A, Amico G, Conaldi PG. In vitro evidences of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in low cell-density cultured human fetal hepatocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017. [PMID: 28624456 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Culturing fetal hepatocytes in high cell-density allowed stabilization of the hepatocyte phenotype up to 8 weeks, including the maintenance of liver-specific functions. On the other hand, when cultured at low cell-density, fetal hepatocytes underwent morphological modifications and acquired fibroblastic morphology. Since a switch from E-cadherin to vimentin expression accompanied these changes, we hypothesized the occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition when fetal hepatocytes were cultured at low cell-density. Changes in gene expressionsuch as up-regulation of fibrosis-related geneswere also observed, suggesting that the low cell-density culture system promoted the acquisition of a profibrotic phenotype in cultured hepatocytes. The origin of fibrogenic cells in the liver is not well known, and the role of hepatocytes as a source of fibrogenic cells is controversial. Therefore, we hypothesized that hepatocytes undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition could have a central role in liver fibrosis as a source of fibrogenic cells. To conclude, the high cell-density culture system could be a useful model for in vitro studies requiring long-term cultures of hepatocytes, such as the development of pharmaceutical drugs and mechanisms of viral infections. The low cell-density culture system may provide additional insights into the origin of fibrogenic cells in the liver, thus contributing to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Maria Chinnici
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Pampalone
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Lo Nigro
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Amico
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Palermo, Italy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneano per I Trapianti e Terapie Ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
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9
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Nevi L, Cardinale V, Carpino G, Costantini D, Di Matteo S, Cantafora A, Melandro F, Brunelli R, Bastianelli C, Aliberti C, Monti M, Bosco D, Berloco PB, Panici PB, Reid L, Gaudio E, Alvaro D. Cryopreservation protocol for human biliary tree stem/progenitors, hepatic and pancreatic precursors. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6080. [PMID: 28729654 PMCID: PMC5519713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05858-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human biliary tree stem/progenitor cells (hBTSCs) are being used for cell therapies of patients with liver cirrhosis. A cryopreservation method was established to optimize sourcing of hBTSCs for these clinical programs and that comprises serum-free Kubota’s Medium (KM) supplemented with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 15% human serum albumin (HSA) and 0.1% hyaluronans. Cryopreserved versus freshly isolated hBTSCs were similar in vitro with respect to self-replication, stemness traits, and multipotency. They were able to differentiate to functional hepatocytes,cholangiocytes or pancreatic islets, yielding similar levels of secretion of albumin or of glucose-inducible levels of insulin. Cryopreserved versus freshly isolated hBTSCs were equally able to engraft into immunocompromised mice yielding cells with human-specific gene expression and human albumin levels in murine serum that were higher for cryopreserved than for freshly isolated hBTSCs. The successful cryopreservation of hBTSCs facilitates establishment of hBTSCs cell banking offering logistical advantages for clinical programs for treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Nevi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Costantini
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Cantafora
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Melandro
- Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Gynaecologic-Obstetric and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Bastianelli
- Department of Gynaecologic-Obstetric and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Aliberti
- Department of Gynaecologic-Obstetric and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Monti
- Department of Gynaecologic-Obstetric and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Lola Reid
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Wang K, Liu H, Yang J, Ma C, Zhang Z, Zheng D, Guan W. Liver epithelioid progenitor cells derived from fetal Luxi bovine alleviate liver fibrosis. Cytotechnology 2017. [PMID: 28625011 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-017-0113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver epithelioid progenitor cells (LEPCs) have important roles in liver therapy because of their hepatic differentiation potency in vitro and in vivo. Despite many researches on humans, mice, and rats, equivalent progenitor cells derived from bovine are relatively rare. The purpose of our current study is to characterize bovine LEPCs, and research on the cure potency of this heteroplastic progenitor cells on mice liver fibrosis. We have used collagenase IV digesting and differential adhesion method to isolate slabstone shape, EpCAM, LGR5, NCAM1 and SOX9 positive progenitor cells from fetal Luxi bovine liver. When cultured in hepatic differentiation media containing 20 ng/ml Oncostatin M, LEPCs can differentiate into hepatocytes in vitro. After 4 weeks of intravenous tail vein injection into CCl4-injured mouse liver, LEPCs engrafted into liver parenchyma, differentiated into ALB positive hepatocytes, and could alleviate liver fibrosis through down regulating fibrosis genes-Tgfb1 and α-SMA as well as decreasing expression of collagen gene Col1a1, Col3a1, and Col4a1, and regain liver function by recovering ALT and AST. Our findings provided a useful tool for studying liver development in vitro, new cell resource for heterograft on mouse liver diseases, and a new platform for researches on immune rejection of heterogeneous cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunfu Wang
- College of Wildlife Resources, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, China
| | - Jinjuan Yang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Caiyun Ma
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zebiao Zhang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dong Zheng
- College of Wildlife Resources, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040, China.
| | - Weijun Guan
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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11
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Pietrosi G, Chinnici C. Report on Liver Cell Transplantation Using Human Fetal Liver Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1506:283-294. [PMID: 27830561 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6506-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In an era of organ shortage, human fetuses donated after medically indicated abortion could be considered a potential liver donor for hepatic cell isolation. We investigated transplantation of fetal liver cells as a strategy to support liver functionality in end-stage liver disease. Here, we report our protocol of human fetal liver cells (hFLC) isolation in fetuses from 17 to 22 gestational weeks, and our clinical procedure of hFLC transplantation through the splenic artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Pietrosi
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Chinnici
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
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12
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Model of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinomas reveals striking enrichment in cancer stem cells. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8070. [PMID: 26437858 PMCID: PMC4600730 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aetiology of human fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinomas (hFL-HCCs), cancers occurring increasingly in children to young adults, is poorly understood. We present a transplantable tumour line, maintained in immune-compromised mice, and validate it as a bona fide model of hFL-HCCs by multiple methods. RNA-seq analysis confirms the presence of a fusion transcript (DNAJB1-PRKACA) characteristic of hFL-HCC tumours. The hFL-HCC tumour line is highly enriched for cancer stem cells as indicated by limited dilution tumourigenicity assays, spheroid formation and flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry on the hFL-HCC model, with parallel studies on 27 primary hFL-HCC tumours, provides robust evidence for expression of endodermal stem cell traits. Transcriptomic analyses of the tumour line and of multiple, normal hepatic lineage stages reveal a gene signature for hFL-HCCs closely resembling that of biliary tree stem cells—newly discovered precursors for liver and pancreas. This model offers unprecedented opportunities to investigate mechanisms underlying hFL-HCCs pathogenesis and potential therapies. With no cell lines available, investigating the aetiology of human fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinomas (hFL-HCCs) has proved problematic. Here, Oikawa et al. establish a model of hFL-HCCs as a transplantable tumour line maintained in immune-compromised mice, which proves rich in cancer stem cells.
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13
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Abstract
The liver is a central regulator of metabolism, and liver failure thus constitutes a major health burden. Understanding how this complex organ develops during embryogenesis will yield insights into how liver regeneration can be promoted and how functional liver replacement tissue can be engineered. Recent studies of animal models have identified key signaling pathways and complex tissue interactions that progressively generate liver progenitor cells, differentiated lineages and functional tissues. In addition, progress in understanding how these cells interact, and how transcriptional and signaling programs precisely coordinate liver development, has begun to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this complexity. Here, we review the lineage relationships, signaling pathways and transcriptional programs that orchestrate hepatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gordillo
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Valerie Gouon-Evans
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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14
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Chinnici CM, Timoneri F, Amico G, Pietrosi G, Vizzini G, Spada M, Pagano D, Gridelli B, Conaldi PG. Characterization of Liver-Specific Functions of Human Fetal Hepatocytes in Culture. Cell Transplant 2015; 24:1139-53. [DOI: 10.3727/096368914x680082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to assess liver-specific functions of human fetal liver cells proposed as a potential source for hepatocyte transplantation. Fetal liver cells were isolated from livers of different gestational ages (16-22 weeks), and the functions of cell preparations were evaluated by establishing primary cultures. We observed that 20- to 22-week-gestation fetal liver cell cultures contained a predominance of cells with hepatocytic traits that did not divide in vitro but were functionally competent. Fetal hepatocytes performed liver-specific functions at levels comparable to those of their adult counterpart. Moreover, exposure to dexamethasone in combination with oncostatin M promptly induced further maturation of the cells through the acquisition of additional functions (i.e., ability to store glycogen and uptake of indocyanine green). In some cases, particularly in cultures obtained from fetuses of earlier gestational ages (16-18 weeks gestation), cells with mature hepatocytic traits proved to be sporadic, and the primary cultures were mainly populated by clusters of proliferating cells. Consequently, the values of liver-specific functions detected in these cultures were low. We observed that a low cell density culture system rapidly prompted loss of the mature hepatocytic phenotype with downregulations of all the liver-specific functions. We found that human fetal liver cells can be cryopreserved without significant loss of viability and function and evaluated up to 1 year in storage in liquid nitrogen. They might, therefore, be suitable for cell banking and allow for the transplantation of large numbers of cells, thus improving clinical outcomes. Overall, our results indicate that fetal hepatocytes could be used as a cell source for hepatocyte transplantation. Fetal liver cells have been used so far to treat end-stage liver disease. Additional studies are needed to include these cells in cell-based therapies aimed to treat liver failure and inborn errors of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Maria Chinnici
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Timoneri
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Amico
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrosi
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vizzini
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Spada
- Department of Surgery, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Bruno Gridelli
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgery, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Fondazione Ri.MED, Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Technologies Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
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15
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Dollé L, Theise ND, Schmelzer E, Boulter L, Gires O, van Grunsven LA. EpCAM and the biology of hepatic stem/progenitor cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2015; 308:G233-50. [PMID: 25477371 PMCID: PMC4329473 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00069.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, which is frequently and highly expressed on carcinomas, tumor-initiating cells, selected tissue progenitors, and embryonic and adult stem cells. During liver development, EpCAM demonstrates a dynamic expression, since it can be detected in fetal liver, including cells of the parenchyma, whereas mature hepatocytes are devoid of EpCAM. Liver regeneration is associated with a population of EpCAM-positive cells within ductular reactions, which gradually lose the expression of EpCAM along with maturation into hepatocytes. EpCAM can be switched on and off through a wide panel of strategies to fine-tune EpCAM-dependent functional and differentiative traits. EpCAM-associated functions relate to cell-cell adhesion, proliferation, maintenance of a pluripotent state, regulation of differentiation, migration, and invasion. These functions can be conferred by the full-length protein and/or EpCAM-derived fragments, which are generated upon regulated intramembrane proteolysis. Control by EpCAM therefore not only depends on the presence of full-length EpCAM at cellular membranes but also on varying rates of the formation of EpCAM-derived fragments that have their own regulatory properties and on changes in the association of EpCAM with interaction partners. Thus spatiotemporal localization of EpCAM in immature liver progenitors, transit-amplifying cells, and mature liver cells will decisively impact the regulation of EpCAM functions and might be one of the triggers that contributes to the adaptive processes in stem/progenitor cell lineages. This review will summarize EpCAM-related molecular events and how they relate to hepatobiliary differentiation and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Dollé
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Neil D. Theise
- 2Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York;
| | - Eva Schmelzer
- 3McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
| | - Luke Boulter
- 4Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, Scotland; and
| | - Olivier Gires
- 5Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leo A. van Grunsven
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
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16
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Semeraro R, Cardinale V, Carpino G, Gentile R, Napoli C, Venere R, Gatto M, Brunelli R, Gaudio E, Alvaro D. The fetal liver as cell source for the regenerative medicine of liver and pancreas. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2014; 1:13. [PMID: 25332958 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2012.10.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Patients affected by liver diseases and diabetes mellitus are in need for sources of new cells to enable a better transition into clinic programs of cell therapy and regenerative medicine. In this setting, fetal liver is becoming the most promising and available source of cells. Fetal liver displays unique characteristics given the possibility to isolate cell populations with a wide spectrum of endodermal differentiation and, the co-existence of endodermal and mesenchymal-derived cells. Thus, the fetal liver is a unique and highly available cell source contemporarily candidate for the regenerative medicine of both liver and pancreas. The purpose of this review is to revise the recent literature on the different stem cells populations isolable from fetal liver and candidate to cell therapy of liver diseases and diabetes and to discuss advantages and limitation with respect to other cell sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Semeraro
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Carpino
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Gentile
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Napoli
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Venere
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Gatto
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- 1 Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino, 2 Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ; 4 Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy ; 5 Eleonora Lorillard Spencer-Cenci Foundation, Rome, Italy
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17
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Wang Y, Lanzoni G, Carpino G, Cui CB, Dominguez-Bendala J, Wauthier E, Cardinale V, Oikawa T, Pileggi A, Gerber D, Furth ME, Alvaro D, Gaudio E, Inverardi L, Reid LM. Biliary tree stem cells, precursors to pancreatic committed progenitors: evidence for possible life-long pancreatic organogenesis. Stem Cells 2014; 31:1966-79. [PMID: 23847135 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Peribiliary glands (PBGs) in bile duct walls, and pancreatic duct glands (PDGs) associated with pancreatic ducts, in humans of all ages, contain a continuous, ramifying network of cells in overlapping maturational lineages. We show that proximal (PBGs)-to-distal (PDGs) maturational lineages start near the duodenum with cells expressing markers of pluripotency (NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2), proliferation (Ki67), self-replication (SALL4), and early hepato-pancreatic commitment (SOX9, SOX17, PDX1, and LGR5), transitioning to PDG cells with no expression of pluripotency or self-replication markers, maintenance of pancreatic genes (PDX1), and expression of markers of pancreatic endocrine maturation (NGN3, MUC6, and insulin). Radial-axis lineages start in PBGs near the ducts' fibromuscular layers with stem cells and end at the ducts' lumens with cells devoid of stem cell traits and positive for pancreatic endocrine genes. Biliary tree-derived cells behaved as stem cells in culture under expansion conditions, culture plastic and serum-free Kubota's Medium, proliferating for months as undifferentiated cells, whereas pancreas-derived cells underwent only approximately 8-10 divisions, then partially differentiated towards an islet fate. Biliary tree-derived cells proved precursors of pancreas' committed progenitors. Both could be driven by three-dimensional conditions, islet-derived matrix components and a serum-free, hormonally defined medium for an islet fate (HDM-P), to form spheroids with ultrastructural, electrophysiological and functional characteristics of neoislets, including glucose regulatability. Implantation of these neoislets into epididymal fat pads of immunocompromised mice, chemically rendered diabetic, resulted in secretion of human C-peptide, regulatable by glucose, and able to alleviate hyperglycemia in hosts. The biliary tree-derived stem cells and their connections to pancreatic committed progenitors constitute a biological framework for life-long pancreatic organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfang Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Doddapaneni R, Chawla YK, Das A, Kalra JK, Ghosh S, Chakraborti A. Overexpression of microRNA-122 enhances in vitro hepatic differentiation of fetal liver-derived stem/progenitor cells. J Cell Biochem 2013; 114:1575-83. [PMID: 23334867 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a versatile class of tiny non-coding RNAs involved in regulation of various biological processes. miRNA-122 (miR-122) is specifically and abundantly expressed in human liver. However, the role of miR-122 in differentiation of fetal liver stem/progenitor cells into hepatocytes remains unclear. In this study, dual positive CD34+/CD117+ expressing human fetal liver stem/progenitor cells was enriched by magnetic cell sorting and cultured in vitro. The level of miR-122 was found to be increased at specific time intervals. Interestingly, during the differentiation process of hepatocyte-like cells, the increase in expression of miR-122 was positively correlated with expression of hepatocyte-specific genes. The status of differentiation process was improved by transfection of miR-122 into enriched stem/progenitor cells. The expression level of hepatic-specific genes as well as liver-enriched transcription factors (LETFs) was significantly increased by overexpression of miR-122 in fetal liver stem/progenitor cells. Thus, the study delineated the role of hepato-specific miR-122 in differentiation of fetal liver stem/progenitor cells into hepatocyte-like cells which could be used as a therapeutic target molecule to generate abundant hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Doddapaneni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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19
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Lanzoni G, Oikawa T, Wang Y, Cui CB, Carpino G, Cardinale V, Gerber D, Gabriel M, Dominguez-Bendala J, Furth ME, Gaudio E, Alvaro D, Inverardi L, Reid LM. Concise review: clinical programs of stem cell therapies for liver and pancreas. Stem Cells 2013; 31:2047-60. [PMID: 23873634 PMCID: PMC3812254 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is transitioning into clinical programs using stem/progenitor cell therapies for repair of damaged organs. We summarize those for liver and pancreas, organs that share endodermal stem cell populations, biliary tree stem cells (hBTSCs), located in peribiliary glands. They are precursors to hepatic stem/progenitors in canals of Hering and to committed progenitors in pancreatic duct glands. They give rise to maturational lineages along a radial axis within bile duct walls and a proximal-to-distal axis starting at the duodenum and ending with mature cells in the liver or pancreas. Clinical trials have been ongoing for years assessing effects of determined stem cells (fetal-liver-derived hepatic stem/progenitors) transplanted into the hepatic artery of patients with various liver diseases. Immunosuppression was not required. Control subjects, those given standard of care for a given condition, all died within a year or deteriorated in their liver functions. Subjects transplanted with 100-150 million hepatic stem/progenitor cells had improved liver functions and survival extending for several years. Full evaluations of safety and efficacy of transplants are still in progress. Determined stem cell therapies for diabetes using hBTSCs remain to be explored but are likely to occur following ongoing preclinical studies. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are being used for patients with chronic liver conditions or with diabetes. MSCs have demonstrated significant effects through paracrine signaling of trophic and immunomodulatory factors, and there is limited evidence for inefficient lineage restriction into mature parenchymal or islet cells. HSCs' effects are primarily via modulation of immune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Lanzoni
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL. 33136
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Applied Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tsunekazu Oikawa
- Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Yunfang Wang
- The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, PR China, 100850
| | - Cai-Bin Cui
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome “ForoItalico”, Rome, Italy
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Fondazione Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Scienze e Biotecnologie Medico-Chirurgiche, Fondazione Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - David Gerber
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Mara Gabriel
- MGabriel Consulting, 3621 Sweeten Creek Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
| | - Juan Dominguez-Bendala
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL. 33136
| | - Mark E. Furth
- Wake Forest Innovations, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Fondazione Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Scienze e Biotecnologie Medico-Chirurgiche, Fondazione Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Inverardi
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL. 33136
| | - Lola M. Reid
- Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
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20
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Aupet S, Simoné G, Heyd B, Bachellier P, Vidal I, Richert L, Martin H. Isolation of viable human hepatic progenitors from adult livers is possible even after 48 hours of cold ischemia. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2013. [PMID: 23198983 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2012.0237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation, utilized routinely for end-stage liver disease, has been constrained by the paucity of organ donors, and is being complemented by alternative strategies such as liver cell transplantation. One of the most promising forms of liver cell transplantation is hepatic stem cell therapies, as the number of human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs) and other early hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) are sufficient to provide treatment for multiple patients from a single liver source. In the present study, human adult livers were exposed to cold ischemia and then processed after <24 or 48 h. Cells positive for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a marker on early lineage stage HPCs, were immunoselected and counted. Approximately 100,000 EpCAM(+) cells/gram of tissue was obtained from surgical resection of livers subjected to cold ischemia up to 24 h and comparable numbers, albeit somewhat lower, were obtained from those exposed to 48 h of cold ischemia. The yields are similar to those reported from livers with minimal exposure to ischemia. When cultured on plastic dishes and in Kubota's Medium, a serum-free medium designed for early lineage stage HPCs, colonies of rapidly expanding cells formed. They were confirmed to be probable hHpSCs by their ability to survive and expand on plastic and in Kubota's Medium for months, by co-expression of EpCAM and neural cell adhesion molecule, minimal if any albumin expression, with EpCAM found throughout the cells, and no expression of alpha-fetoprotein. The yields of viable EpCAM(+) cells were surprisingly large, and the numbers from a single donor liver are sufficient to treat approximately 50-100 patients given the numbers of EpCAM(+) cells currently used in hepatic stem cell therapies. Thus, cold ischemic livers for up to 48 h are a new source of cells that might be used for liver cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Aupet
- EA4267 FDE, SFR133, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, Besançon, France
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21
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Multipotent stem/progenitor cells in the human foetal biliary tree. J Hepatol 2012; 57:987-94. [PMID: 22820480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Biliary tree, liver, and pancreas share a common embryological origin. We previously demonstrated the presence of stem/progenitor cells of endodermal origin in the adult human extrahepatic biliary tree. This study evaluated the human foetal biliary trees as sources of stem/progenitor cells of multiple endodermal-derived mature fates. METHODS Human foetal intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary tree tissues and isolated cells were tested for cytoplasmic and surface markers of stem cells and committed progenitors, as well as endodermal transcription factors requisite for a liver versus pancreatic fate. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential mature fates of differentiation. RESULTS Foetal biliary tree cells proliferated clonogenically for more than 1 month on plastic in a serum-free Kubota medium. After culture expansion, cells exhibited multipotency and could be restricted to certain lineages under defined microenvironments, including hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and pancreatic islet cells. Transplantation of foetal biliary tree cells into the livers of immunodeficient mice resulted in effective engraftment and differentiation into mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. CONCLUSIONS Foetal biliary trees contain multipotent stem/progenitor cells comparable with those in adults. These cells can be easily expanded and induced in vitro to differentiate into liver and pancreatic mature fates, and engrafted and differentiated into mature cells when transplanted in vivo. These findings further characterise the development of these stem/progenitor cell populations from foetuses to adults, which are thought to contribute to liver and pancreas organogenesis throughout life.
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22
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Turner RA, Mendel G, Wauthier E, Barbier C, Reid LM. Hyaluronan-supplemented buffers preserve adhesion mechanisms facilitating cryopreservation of human hepatic stem/progenitor cells. Cell Transplant 2012; 21:2257-66. [PMID: 22472355 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x637000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The supply of human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs) and other hepatic progenitors has been constrained by the limited availability of liver tissues from surgical resections, the rejected organs from organ donation programs, and the need to use cells immediately. To facilitate accessibility to these precious tissue resources, we have established an effective method for serum-free cryopreservation of the cells, allowing them to be stockpiled and stored for use as an off-the-shelf product for experimental or clinical programs. The method involves use of buffers, some serum-free, designed for cryopreservation and further supplemented with hyaluronans (HA) that preserve adhesion mechanisms facilitating postthaw culturing of the cells and preservation of functions. Multiple cryopreservation buffers were found to yield high viabilities (80-90%) of cells on thawing of the progenitor cells. Serum-free CS10 supplemented with 0.05% hyaluronan proved the most effective, both in terms of viabilities of cells on thawing and in yielding cell attachment and formation of expanding colonies of cells that stably maintain the stem/progenitor cell phenotype. Buffers to which 0.05 or 0.1% HAs were added showed cells postthaw to be phenotypically stable as stem/progenitors, as well as having a high efficiency of attachment and expansion in culture. Success correlated with improved expression of adhesion molecules, particularly CD44, the hyaluronan receptor, E-cadherin, β4 integrin in hHpSCs, and β1 integrins in hepatoblasts. The improved methods in cryopreservation offer more efficient strategies for stem cell banking in both research and potential therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Turner
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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McClelland R, Wauthier E, Tallheden T, Reid L, Hsu E. In situ labeling and magnetic resonance imaging of transplanted human hepatic stem cells. Mol Imaging Biol 2011; 13:911-22. [PMID: 20890665 PMCID: PMC3727160 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-010-0422-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose is to address the problem in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of contrast agent dilution. PROCEDURES In situ magnetic labeling of cells and MRI were used to assess distribution and growth of human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs) transplanted into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)/non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. It was done with commercially available magnetic microbeads coupled to an antibody to a surface antigen, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), uniquely expressed in the liver by hepatic progenitors. RESULTS We validated the microbead connection to cells and related MRI data to optical microscopy observations in order to develop a means to quantitatively estimate cell numbers in the aggregates detected. Cell counts of hHpSCs at different times post-transplantation revealed quantifiable evidence of cell engraftment and expansion. CONCLUSIONS This magnetic labeling methodology can be used with any antibody coupled to a magnetic particle to target any surface antigen that distinguishes transplanted cells from host cells, thus facilitating studies that define methods and strategies for clinical cell therapy programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall McClelland
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA 27599
| | - Eliane Wauthier
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA 27599
| | - Tommi Tallheden
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA 27599
| | - Lola Reid
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA 27599
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA 27599
- Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA 27599
| | - Edward Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, 136 Hudson Hall, Durham, NC 27708
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Lozoya OA, Wauthier E, Turner R, Barbier C, Prestwich GD, Guilak F, Superfine R, Lubkin SR, Reid LM. Regulation of hepatic stem/progenitor phenotype by microenvironment stiffness in hydrogel models of the human liver stem cell niche. Biomaterials 2011; 32:7389-402. [PMID: 21788068 PMCID: PMC3157321 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Human livers have maturational lineages of cells within liver acini, beginning periportally in stem cell niches, the canals of Hering, and ending in polyploid hepatocytes pericentrally and cholangiocytes in bile ducts. Hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs) in vivo are partnered with mesenchymal precursors to endothelia (angioblasts) and stellate cells, and reside in regulated microenvironments, stem cell niches, containing hyaluronans (HA). The in vivo hHpSC niche is modeled in vitro by growing hHpSC in two-dimensional (2D) cultures on plastic. We investigated effects of 3D microenvironments, mimicking the liver's stem cell niche, on these hHpSCs by embedding them in HA-based hydrogels prepared with Kubota's Medium (KM), a serum-free medium tailored for endodermal stem/progenitors. The KM-HA hydrogels mimicked the niches, matched diffusivity of culture medium, exhibited shear thinning and perfect elasticity under mechanical loading, and had predictable stiffness depending on their chemistry. KM-HA hydrogels, which supported cell attachment, survival and expansion of hHpSC colonies, induced transition of hHpSC colonies towards stable heterogeneous populations of hepatic progenitors depending on KM-HA hydrogel stiffness, as shown by both their gene and protein expression profile. These acquired phenotypes did not show morphological evidence of fibrotic responses. In conclusion, this study shows that the mechanical properties of the microenvironment can regulate differentiation in endodermal stem cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oswaldo A. Lozoya
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC and UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Gastrointestinal and Biliary Disease Biology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Eliane Wauthier
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC and UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Gastrointestinal and Biliary Disease Biology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Rachael Turner
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC and UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Gastrointestinal and Biliary Disease Biology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Claire Barbier
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC and UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Gastrointestinal and Biliary Disease Biology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Glenn D. Prestwich
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Therapeutic Biomaterials, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Farshid Guilak
- Departments of Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University Medical Center and Pratt School of Engineering, Durham, NC
| | - Richard Superfine
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, UNC College of Arts and Sciences, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Sharon R. Lubkin
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC and UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Mathematics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Lola M. Reid
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC and UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Center for Gastrointestinal and Biliary Disease Biology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
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Touboul T, Vallier L, Weber A. [Robust differentiation of fetal hepatocytes from human embryonic stem cells and iPS]. Med Sci (Paris) 2011; 26:1061-6. [PMID: 21187045 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/201026121061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation is considered as an alternative to organ transplantation in particular for the treatment of liver metabolic diseases. However, due to the difficulties to obtain a large number of hepatocytes, new sources of cells are needed. These cells could be either of hepatic origin (hepatic stem cells) or extrahepatic such as mesenchymal stem cells or pluripotent stem cells (human embryonic stem cells [hESC] or iPS). We developed a new method to differentiate hESCs into fetal hepatocytes. These conditions recapitulate the main liver developmental stages, using fully defined medium devoid of animal products or unknown factors. The differentiated cells express many fetal hepatocytes markers (cytochrome P450 3A7, albumin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, etc.). The cells display specific hepatic functions (ammonia metabolism, excretion of indocyanin green) and are capable to engraft and express hepatic proteins two months after transplantation into newborn uPAxrag2gc-/- mouse liver. We have also showed that this approach is transposable to human iPS, and further studies on animal models will allow us to compare the in vivo potential of these two sources of pluripotent cells. Finally, only studies on large animals such as nonhuman primates will validate an eventual clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Touboul
- Inserm U972, IFR 93, Hôpital du Kremlin-Bicêtre, 78, rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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26
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Turner R, Lozoya O, Wang Y, Cardinale V, Gaudio E, Alpini G, Mendel G, Wauthier E, Barbier C, Alvaro D, Reid LM. Human hepatic stem cell and maturational liver lineage biology. Hepatology 2011; 53:1035-45. [PMID: 21374667 PMCID: PMC3066046 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Livers are comprised of maturational lineages of cells beginning extrahepatically in the hepato-pancreatic common duct near the duodenum and intrahepatically in zone 1 by the portal triads. The extrahepatic stem cell niches are the peribiliary glands deep within the walls of the bile ducts; those intrahepatically are the canals of Hering in postnatal livers and that derive from ductal plates in fetal livers. Intrahepatically, there are at least eight maturational lineage stages from the stem cells in zone 1 (periportal), through the midacinar region (zone 2), to the most mature cells and apoptotic cells found pericentrally in zone 3. Those found in the biliary tree are still being defined. Parenchymal cells are closely associated with lineages of mesenchymal cells, and their maturation is coordinated. Each lineage stage consists of parenchymal and mesenchymal cell partners distinguishable by their morphology, ploidy, antigens, biochemical traits, gene expression, and ability to divide. They are governed by changes in chromatin (e.g., methylation), gradients of paracrine signals (soluble factors and insoluble extracellular matrix components), mechanical forces, and feedback loop signals derived from late lineage cells. Feedback loop signals, secreted by late lineage stage cells into bile, flow back to the periportal area and regulate the stem cells and other early lineage stage cells in mechanisms dictating the size of the liver mass. Recognition of maturational lineage biology and its regulation by these multiple mechanisms offers new understandings of liver biology, pathologies, and strategies for regenerative medicine and treatment of liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Turner
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Oswaldo Lozoya
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Yunfang Wang
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Research, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Department of Medicine, Scott & White Digestive Disease Research Center, Division of Research and Education, Scott & White and Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, 76504
| | - Gemma Mendel
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Eliane Wauthier
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Claire Barbier
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lola M. Reid
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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27
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Wang Y, Cui CB, Yamauchi M, Miguez P, Roach M, Malavarca R, Costello MJ, Cardinale V, Wauthier E, Barbier C, Gerber DA, Alvaro D, Reid LM. Lineage restriction of human hepatic stem cells to mature fates is made efficient by tissue-specific biomatrix scaffolds. Hepatology 2011; 53:293-305. [PMID: 21254177 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Current protocols for differentiation of stem cells make use of multiple treatments of soluble signals and/or matrix factors and result typically in partial differentiation to mature cells with under- or overexpression of adult tissue-specific genes. We developed a strategy for rapid and efficient differentiation of stem cells using substrata of biomatrix scaffolds, tissue-specific extracts enriched in extracellular matrix, and associated growth factors and cytokines, in combination with a serum-free, hormonally defined medium (HDM) tailored for the adult cell type of interest. Biomatrix scaffolds were prepared by a novel, four-step perfusion decellularization protocol using conditions designed to keep all collagen types insoluble. The scaffolds maintained native histology, patent vasculatures, and ≈1% of the tissue's proteins but >95% of its collagens, most of the tissue's collagen-associated matrix components, and physiological levels of matrix-bound growth factors and cytokines. Collagens increased from almost undetectable levels to >15% of the scaffold's proteins with the remainder including laminins, fibronectins, elastin, nidogen/entactin, proteoglycans, and matrix-bound cytokines and growth factors in patterns that correlate with histology. Human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs), seeded onto liver biomatrix scaffolds and in an HDM tailored for adult liver cells, lost stem cell markers and differentiated to mature, functional parenchymal cells in ≈1 week, remaining viable and with stable mature cell phenotypes for more than 8 weeks. CONCLUSION Biomatrix scaffolds can be used for biological and pharmaceutical studies of lineage-restricted stem cells, for maintenance of mature cells, and, in the future, for implantable, vascularized engineered tissues or organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfang Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology and Program in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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28
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Abstract
Current methodologies of solid organ-derived cell transplant therapies introduce donor cells into hosts through a vascular route, a strategy modeled after hematopoietic therapies. These strategies fail because of inefficient engraftment, poor survival of the cells, and propensity for formation of life-threatening emboli. Transplant success necessitates grafting methods, requiring a mixture of appropriate cell sources embedded into or onto precise mixes of extracellular matrix components and then localized to the diseased or dysfunctional tissue, promoting necessary proliferation, engraftment, and vascularization. Grafting technologies are rapidly translatable to therapeutic uses in patients and provide alternative treatments for regenerative medicine.
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29
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Sheahan T, Jones CT, Ploss A. Advances and challenges in studying hepatitis C virus in its native environment. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010; 4:541-50. [PMID: 20932139 DOI: 10.1586/egh.10.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 2% of the worldwide population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), the major causative agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis. Although substantial progress has been made in developing tools to dissect the viral life cycle, most in vitro studies rely on hepatoma cell lines, which are functionally disparate from the natural in vivo target of the virus – hepatocytes. To gain insights into virus–host interactions, there is a need for HCV-model systems that more closely mimic the physiological environment of the liver. Here, we discuss recent advances in culture and detection systems that facilitate the study of HCV in primary cells. Use of these new models may help bridge the gap between in vitro studies and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Sheahan
- Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 64, New York, NY 10065, USA
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30
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Markert CD, Atala A, Cann JK, Christ G, Furth M, Ambrosio F, Childers MK. Mesenchymal stem cells: emerging therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PM R 2009; 1:547-59. [PMID: 19627945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2009.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Revised: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multipotent cells that can give rise to bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, and skeletal and cardiac muscle are termed mesenchymal stem cells. These cells were first identified in the bone marrow, distinct from blood-forming stem cells. Based on the embryologic derivation, availability, and various pro-regenerative characteristics, research exploring their use in cell therapy shows great promise for patients with degenerative muscle diseases and a number of other conditions. In this review, the authors explore the potential for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the emerging field of regenerative medicine with a focus on treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad D Markert
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, and Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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31
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Dash A, Inman W, Hoffmaster K, Sevidal S, Kelly J, Obach RS, Griffith LG, Tannenbaum SR. Liver tissue engineering in the evaluation of drug safety. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2009; 5:1159-74. [PMID: 19637986 PMCID: PMC4110978 DOI: 10.1517/17425250903160664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of drug-liver interactions is an integral part of predicting the safety profile of new drugs. Existing model systems range from in vitro cell culture models to FDA-mandated animal tests. Data from these models often fail, however, to predict human liver toxicity, resulting in costly failures of clinical trials. In vitro screens based on cultured hepatocytes are now commonly used in early stages of development, but many toxic responses in vivo seem to be mediated by a complex interplay among several different cell types. We discuss some of the evolving trends in liver cell culture systems applied to drug safety assessment and describe an experimental model that captures complex liver physiology through incorporation of heterotypic cell-cell interactions, 3D architecture and perfused flow. We demonstrate how heterotypic interactions in this system can be manipulated to recreate an inflammatory environment and apply the model to test compounds that potentially exhibit idiosyncratic drug toxicity. Finally, we provide a perspective on how the range of existing and emerging in vitro liver culture approaches, from simple to complex, might serve needs across the range of stages in drug discovery and development, including applications in molecular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Dash
- Underwood-Prescott Professor of Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Office 56-731A, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Walker Inman
- Underwood-Prescott Professor of Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Office 56-731A, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Keith Hoffmaster
- Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, 350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA
| | - Samantha Sevidal
- Pfizer Research Technology Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joan Kelly
- Pfizer Research Technology Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA
| | - R Scott Obach
- Pfizer Research Technology Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA
| | - Linda G Griffith
- Underwood-Prescott Professor of Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Office 56-731A, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Steven R Tannenbaum
- Underwood-Prescott Professor of Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Office 56-731A, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Abstract
We review progress towards the goal of utilizing stem cells as a source of engineered pancreatic beta-cells for therapy of diabetes. Protocols for the in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells based on normal developmental cues have generated beta-like cells that produce high levels of insulin, albeit at low efficiency and without full responsiveness to extracellular levels of glucose. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells also can yield insulin-producing cells following similar approaches. An important recent report shows that when transplanted into mice, human ES-derived cells with a phenotype corresponding to pancreatic endoderm matured to yield cells capable of maintaining near-normal regulation of blood sugar [Kroon et al., 2008]. Major hurdles that must be overcome to enable the broad clinical translation of these advances include teratoma formation by ES and iPS cells, and the need for immunosuppressive drugs. Classes of stem cells that can be expanded extensively in culture but do not form teratomas, such as amniotic fluid-derived stem cells and hepatic stem cells, offer possible alternatives for the production of beta-like cells, but further evidence is required to document this potential. Generation of autologous iPS cells should prevent transplant rejection, but may prove prohibitively expensive. Banking strategies to identify small numbers of stem cell lines homozygous for major histocompatibility loci have been proposed to enable beneficial genetic matching that would decrease the need for immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Furth
- Department of Urology and Wake Forest, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA
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33
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McClelland R, Wauthier E, Zhang L, Melhem A, Schmelzer E, Barbier C, Reid LM. Ex vivo conditions for self-replication of human hepatic stem cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2009; 14:341-51. [PMID: 18844603 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2008.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human hepatic stem cells (hHpSCs), identifiable by a unique antigenic profile, have been isolated from human livers and established ex vivo under expansion conditions permissive for self-replication. The conditions consist of a substratum of type III collagen, ideally on Transwell inserts, and Kubota's medium, a serum-free medium developed for hepatic progenitors. Under these conditions the cells demonstrated a doubling time of approximately 24 h, generating at least a 16-fold increase in cell number within 7-10 days; were stable at confluence for up to 2 weeks; could be passaged, if on type III collagen, to initiate colonies that went through log-phase growth and saturation density kinetics; and expressed telomerase, indicative of regenerative capacity. The hHpSC colonies remained morphologically and phenotypically stable throughout expressing epithelial cell adhesion molecule, neural cell adhesion molecule, albumin, cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19, but not alpha-fetoprotein, or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Those maintained under self-replication conditions for more than a month were transplanted and found to engraft in the livers of SCID/nod mice yielding human liver tissue expressing adult liver-specific proteins. The conditions for self-replication should offer ideal culture conditions for generating large numbers of hHpSCs for use in commercial and clinical programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall McClelland
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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34
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Zhang L, Theise N, Chua M, Reid LM. The stem cell niche of human livers: symmetry between development and regeneration. Hepatology 2008; 48:1598-607. [PMID: 18972441 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human livers contain two pluripotent progenitors: hepatic stem cells and hepatoblasts. The hepatic stem cells uniquely express the combination of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), cytokeratin (CK) 19, albumin +/-, and are negative for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). They are precursors to hepatoblasts, which differ from hepatic stem cells in size, morphology, and in expressing the combination of EpCAM, intercellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), CK19, albumin++, and AFP++. The hepatic stem cells are located in vivo in stem cell niches: the ductal plates in fetal and neonatal livers and canals of Hering in pediatric and adult livers. The hepatoblasts are contiguous to the niches, decline in numbers with age, wax and wane in numbers with injury responses, and are proposed to be the liver's transit-amplifying cells. In adult livers, intermediates between hepatic stem cells and hepatoblasts and between hepatoblasts and adult parenchyma are observed. Amplification of one or both pluripotent cell subpopulations can occur in diseases; for example, hepatic stem cell amplification occurs in mild forms of liver failure, and hepatoblast amplification occurs in forms of cirrhosis. Liver is, therefore, similar to other tissues in that regenerative processes in postnatal tissues parallel those occurring in development and involve populations of stem cells and progenitor cells that can be identified by anatomic, antigenic, and biochemical profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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35
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Enns GM, Millan MT. Cell-based therapies for metabolic liver disease. Mol Genet Metab 2008; 95:3-10. [PMID: 18640065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2008.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2008] [Revised: 06/05/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is an important therapeutic option for many individuals with metabolic liver disease. Nevertheless, the invasive nature of surgery and limitations of donor organ availability have led to the search for alternatives to whole-organ transplantation. Cell-based therapies have been a particularly active area of investigation in recent years. Hepatocyte transplantations have been performed for a variety of indications, including acute liver failure, end-stage liver disease, and inborn errors of metabolism. Individuals with inborn errors of metabolism who have undergone hepatocyte transplantation have shown clinical improvement and partial correction of the underlying metabolic defect. In most cases, sustained benefits have not been observed. This may be related to inadequate cell dose, variations in the quality of hepatocyte preparations, rejection of the transplanted cells, or senescence of transplanted hepatocytes. Though initial proof of concept with hepatocyte transplantation has been demonstrated by a number of investigators, wide application of this technology has been hindered by the inability to secure a reliable and well-characterized cell source(s) for transplantation and by the challenges of sustained engraftment and expansion of transplanted cells in vivo. Cell-based therapies, including those based on stem cells or more differentiated progenitor cells, may represent the future of cell transplantation for treatment of metabolic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M Enns
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305-5208, USA.
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