Hepatocytes from embryonic stem cells are ready to get on the conveyor belt
The biotechnology company Advanced Cell Technology has announced the development of a reproducible, highly efficient process for converting embryonic stem cells into hepatocytes. This achievement is an important step towards the use of laboratory-grown liver cells in regenerative medicine and testing of experimental drugs.
The main features of embryonic stem cells – plasticity and the ability to unlimited self-renewal – ensure their attractiveness as an inexhaustible source of cells for replacement therapy. The shortage of donor organs is relevant for almost all currently existing areas of transplantology, including liver transplantation. Therefore, the cultivation of hepatocytes suitable for transplantation is quite an important task. In addition, given that the liver neutralizes and removes almost all toxins from the body, hepatocyte cultures can be used to test the parameters of metabolism and cytotoxicity of experimental pharmacological preparations.
According to Robert Lanza, head of the Advanced Cell Technology research department, the company's specialists have developed a highly efficient process of converting embryonic stem cells into hepatocytes, reflecting all the events that occur with cells during embryonic development. He believes that large-scale production of hepatocytes should significantly expand the use of these cells in basic research, clinical medicine and preclinical drug testing.
The application of the method ensures obtaining a population of hepatocytes in conditions acceptable for clinical practice with minimal use of serum and feeder cells. To do this, a pure population of cells is first obtained from human embryonic stem cells, which have finally differentiated into cells of the endodermal (inner) leaf of the embryo. This population is consistently exposed to inducing factors involved in the physiological process of hepatogenesis. The differentiation process occurs synchronously for all cells, which is expressed in a gradual increase in the level of expression of molecular markers of hepatocytes by culture. The resulting cells have all the characteristics of hepatocytes: the ability to accumulate glycogen, absorb and release the indocyanine green dye and secrete albumin. In experiments on an animal model of acute liver injury, cells introduced into the damaged area successfully restored the damaged organ.
More detailed information can be obtained on the company's website.Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru