Adult Stem Cells Become Liver Cells

Adult bone marrow stem cells have demonstrated the ability to differentiate in vitro as liver cells, with hepatocyte phenotype and function, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota Stem Cell Institute (SCI; Minneapolis/St. Paul, USA). The research was reported in the May 15, 2002, issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Adult stem cells cultured from the bone marrow of humans, mice, and rats can be induced to become cells that look, stain, and function like live liver cells, according to Catherine Verfaillie, M.D., director of the SCI and author of the study. "Our lab shows, for the first time, clear indication that these stem cells function like liver cells in that they secreted three key elements: albumin, the most abundant protein made by the liver; urea, produced only by liver and kidney epithelium; and cytochrome P450, the major detoxifying enzyme in the liver.”

The research could have broad benefits. The cells, called multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), could become a source of cells for patients with genetic liver diseases, such as alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, or the cells might be used to create bioartificial livers and replace pig liver cells, now a common source of cells. They may also be useful to pharmaceutical manufacturers for screening drug candidates.

Last year, Dr. Verfaillie and her colleagues announced that MAPCs had demonstrated the potential to differentiate into cells of visceral mesodermal origin, such as endothelium, as well as into cells with neuroectodermal phenotype and function.





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