Induced pluripotent stem cells and hepatic differentiation.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated by reprogramming somatic cells to a pluripotent state by the introduction of specific factors. They can be generated from cells of different origins, such as fibroblasts, keratinocytes, hepatocytes, and blood. iPSCs are similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in several aspects, such as morphology, expression of pluripotency markers, and the ability to develop teratoma that contains tissue from three germ layers. In addition, iPSCs can undergo tridermal differentiation, including hepatic specific lineages. Considering that iPSCs could be a source of hepatocyte regeneration, iPSC-based therapy has been widely implicated in the treatment of liver disease and hepatic regeneration. In the present review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of iPSCs in hepatic repair and focus on the clinical applications of iPSCs.
Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Su-Ao/Yuan-Shan Branch, Yi-Lan, Taiwan, ROC.
Chih-Hung
CH
Chiang
Teh-Ia
TI
Huo
Cho-Chin
CC
Sun
Jung-Hung
JH
Hsieh
Yueh
Y
Chien
Kai-Hsi
KH
Lu
Shou-Dong
SD
Lee
D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D057026:Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology*
hepatic repair; induced pluripotent stem cells