Paracrine signals from mesenchymal cell populations govern the expansion and differentiation of human hepatic stem cells to adult liver fates

Fibrolamellar carcinomas-growth arrested by paracrine signals complexed with synthesized 3-O sulfated heparan sulfate oligosaccharides

Fibrolamellar carcinomas (FLCs), lethal tumors occurring in children to young adults, have genetic signatures implicating derivation from biliary tree stem cell (BTSC) subpopulations, co-hepato/pancreatic stem cells, involved in hepatic and pancreatic regeneration. FLCs and BTSCs express pluripotency genes, endodermal transcription factors, and stem cell surface, cytoplasmic and proliferation biomarkers. The FLC-PDX model, FLC-TD-2010, is driven ex vivo to express pancreatic acinar traits, hypothesized responsible for this model's propensity for enzymatic degradation of cultures. A stable ex vivo model of FLC-TD-2010 was achieved using organoids in serum-free Kubota's Medium (KM) supplemented with 0.1% hyaluronans (KM/HA). Heparins (10 ng/ml) caused slow expansion of organoids with doubling times of ∼7-9 days. Spheroids, organoids depleted of mesenchymal cells, survived indefinitely in KM/HA in a state of growth arrest for more than 2 months. Expansion was restored with FLCs co-cultured with mesenchymal cell precursors in a ratio of 3:7, implicating paracrine signaling. Signals identified included FGFs, VEGFs, EGFs, Wnts, and others, produced by associated stellate and endothelial cell precursors. Fifty-three, unique heparan sulfate (HS) oligosaccharides were synthesized, assessed for formation of high affinity complexes with paracrine signals, and each complex screened for biological activity(ies) on organoids. Ten distinct HS-oligosaccharides, all 10-12 mers or larger, and in specific paracrine signal complexes elicited particular biological responses. Of note, complexes of paracrine signals and 3-O sulfated HS-oligosaccharides elicited slowed growth, and with Wnt3a, elicited growth arrest of organoids for months. If future efforts are used to prepare HS-oligosaccharides resistant to breakdown in vivo, then [paracrine signal-HS-oligosaccharide] complexes are potential therapeutic agents for clinical treatments of FLCs, an exciting prospect for a deadly disease.

A postnatal network of co-hepato/pancreatic stem/progenitors in the biliary trees of pigs and humans

A network of co-hepato/pancreatic stem/progenitors exists in pigs and humans in Brunner's Glands in the submucosa of the duodenum, in peribiliary glands (PBGs) of intrahepatic and extrahepatic biliary trees, and in pancreatic duct glands (PDGs) of intrapancreatic biliary trees, collectively supporting hepatic and pancreatic regeneration postnatally. The network is found in humans postnatally throughout life and, so far, has been demonstrated in pigs postnatally at least through to young adulthood. These stem/progenitors in vivo in pigs are in highest numbers in Brunner's Glands and in PDGs nearest the duodenum, and in humans are in Brunner's Glands and in PBGs in the hepato/pancreatic common duct, a duct missing postnatally in pigs. Elsewhere in PDGs in pigs and in all PDGs in humans are only committed unipotent or bipotent progenitors. Stem/progenitors have genetic signatures in liver/pancreas-related RNA-seq data based on correlation, hierarchical clustering, differential gene expression and principal component analyses (PCA). Gene expression includes representative traits of pluripotency genes (SOX2, OCT4), endodermal transcription factors (e.g. SOX9, SOX17, PDX1), other stem cell traits (e.g. NCAM, CD44, sodium iodide symporter or NIS), and proliferation biomarkers (Ki67). Hepato/pancreatic multipotentiality was demonstrated by the stem/progenitors' responses under distinct ex vivo conditions or in vivo when patch grafted as organoids onto the liver versus the pancreas. Therefore, pigs are logical hosts for translational/preclinical studies for cell therapies with these stem/progenitors for hepatic and pancreatic dysfunctions.

Liver cell therapies: cellular sources and grafting strategies

The liver has a complex cellular composition and a remarkable regenerative capacity. The primary cell types in the liver are two parenchymal cell populations, hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, that perform most of the functions of the liver and that are helped through interactions with non-parenchymal cell types comprising stellate cells, endothelia and various hemopoietic cell populations. The regulation of the cells in the liver is mediated by an insoluble complex of proteins and carbohydrates, the extracellular matrix, working synergistically with soluble paracrine and systemic signals. In recent years, with the rapid development of genetic sequencing technologies, research on the liver's cellular composition and its regulatory mechanisms during various conditions has been extensively explored. Meanwhile breakthroughs in strategies for cell transplantation are enabling a future in which there can be a rescue of patients with end-stage liver diseases, offering potential solutions to the chronic shortage of livers and alternatives to liver transplantation. This review will focus on the cellular mechanisms of liver homeostasis and how to select ideal sources of cells to be transplanted to achieve liver regeneration and repair. Recent advances are summarized for promoting the treatment of end-stage liver diseases by forms of cell transplantation that now include grafting strategies.

Patch grafting, strategies for transplantation of organoids into solid organs such as liver

Epithelial cell therapies have been at an impasse because of inefficient methods of transplantation to solid organs. Patch grafting strategies were established enabling transplantation of ≥10^7th organoids/patch of porcine GFP+ biliary tree stem/progenitors into livers of wild type hosts. Grafts consisted of organoids embedded in soft (~100 Pa) hyaluronan hydrogels, both prepared in serum-free Kubota's Medium; placed against target sites; covered with a silk backing impregnated with more rigid hyaluronan hydrogels (~700 Pa); and use of the backing to tether grafts with sutures or glue to target sites. Hyaluronan coatings (~200-300 Pa) onto the serosal surface of the graft served to minimize adhesions with neighboring organs. The organ's clearance of hyaluronans enabled restoration of tissue-specific paracrine and systemic signaling, resulting in return of normal hepatic histology, with donor parenchymal cells uniformly integrated amidst host cells and that had differentiated to mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Grafts containing donor mature hepatocytes, partnered with endothelia, and in the same graft biomaterials as for stem/progenitor organoids, did not engraft. Engraftment occurred if porcine liver-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were co-transplanted with donor mature cells. RNA-seq analyses revealed that engraftment correlated with expression of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially secreted isoforms that were found expressed strongly by organoids, less so by MSCs, and minimally, if at all, by adult cells. Engraftment with patch grafting strategies occurred without evidence of emboli or ectopic cell distribution. It was successful with stem/progenitor organoids or with cells with a source(s) of secreted MMP isoforms and offers significant potential for enabling cell therapies for solid organs.

Advances in 3D cell culture for liver preclinical studies

The 3D cell culture model is an indispensable tool in the study of liver biology in the field of health and disease and the development of clinically relevant products for liver therapies. The 3D culture model captures critical factors of the microenvironmental niche required by hepatocytes for exhibiting optimal phenotypes, thus enabling the pursuit of a range of preclinical studies that are not entirely feasible in conventional 2D cell models. In this review, we highlight the major attributes associated with and the components needed for the development of a functional 3D liver culture model for a range of applications.

A primary human hepatocyte/hepatic stellate cell co-culture system for improved in vitro HBV replication

Primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) are considered the gold standard for the in vitro study of HBV replication as they directly reflect the metabolism and functionality of the human liver. However, several limitations of this system include PHH donor-to-donor variability, limited life span and low permissiveness to HBV infection, which precludes long-term infection studies and viral passaging. Here, an easy-to-set-up co-culture platform that combines PHH with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was developed. This platform does not rely on chemical supplementation to sustain robust HBV replication and viral antigen secretion making it a more physiologically relevant system for in vitro HBV infection studies compared to the traditional short-lived PHH monocultures.

Space of Disse: a stem cell niche in the liver

Recent evidence indicates that the plasticity of preexisting hepatocytes and bile duct cells is responsible for the appearance of intermediate progenitor cells capable of restoring liver mass after injury without the need of a stem cell compartment. However, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exist in all organs and are associated with blood vessels which represent their perivascular stem cell niche. MSCs are multipotent and can differentiate into several cell types and are known to support regenerative processes by the release of immunomodulatory and trophic factors. In the liver, the space of Disse constitutes a stem cell niche that harbors stellate cells as liver resident MSCs. This perivascular niche is created by extracellular matrix proteins, sinusoidal endothelial cells, liver parenchymal cells and sympathetic nerve endings and establishes a microenvironment that is suitable to maintain stellate cells and to control their fate. The stem cell niche integrity is important for the behavior of stellate cells in the normal, regenerative, aged and diseased liver. The niche character of the space of Disse may further explain why the liver can become an organ of extra-medullar hematopoiesis and why this organ is frequently prone to tumor metastasis.

Regeneration and activation of liver progenitor cells in liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is characterized as the progress of regenerative nodules surrounded by fibrous bands in response to chronic hepatic injury and causes portal hypertension and end-stage hepatic disease. Following liver injury, liver progenitor cells (LPCs) can be activated and differentiate into hepatocytes in order to awaken liver regeneration and reach homeostasis. Recent research has uncovered some new sources of LPCs. Here, we update the mechanisms of LPCs-mediated liver regeneration in cirrhosis by introducing the origin of LPCs and LPCs’ niche with a discussion of the influence of LPC-related cells. This article analyzes the mechanism of regeneration and activation of LPCs in cirrhosis in recent years aiming to provide help for clinical application.

Hyaluronan-Based Grafting Strategies for Liver Stem Cell Therapy and Tracking Methods

Cell adhesion is essential for survival, it plays important roles in physiological cell functions, and it is an innovative target in regenerative medicine. Among the molecular interactions and the pathways triggered during cell adhesion, the binding of cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), a cell-surface glycoprotein involved in cell-cell interactions, to hyaluronic acid (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, is a crucial step. Cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for advanced liver diseases; however, so far, it has led to low cell engraftment and limited cell repopulation of the target tissue. Currently, different strategies are under investigation to improve cell grafting in the liver, including the use of organic and inorganic biomatrices that mimic the microenvironment of the extracellular matrix. Hyaluronans, major components of stem cell niches, are attractive candidates for coating stem cells since they improve viability, proliferation, and engraftment in damaged livers. In this review, we will discuss the new strategies that have been adopted to improve cell grafting and track cells after transplantation.

Simulated microgravity promotes the formation of tridimensional cultures and stimulates pluripotency and a glycolytic metabolism in human hepatic and biliary tree stem/progenitor cells

Many pivotal biological cell processes are affected by gravity. The aim of our study was to evaluate biological and functional effects, differentiation potential and exo-metabolome profile of simulated microgravity (SMG) on human hepatic cell line (HepG2) and human biliary tree stem/progenitor cells (hBTSCs). Both hBTSCs and HepG2 were cultured in a weightless and protected environment SGM produced by the Rotary Cell Culture System (Synthecon) and control condition in normal gravity (NG). Self-replication and differentiation toward mature cells were determined by culturing hBTSCs in Kubota’s Medium (KM) and in hormonally defined medium (HDM) tailored for hepatocyte differentiation. The effects on the expression and cell exo-metabolome profiles of SMG versus NG cultures were analyzed. SMG promotes tridimensional (3D) cultures of hBTSCs and HepG2. Significative increase of stemness gene expression (p < 0.05) has been observed in hBTSCs cultured in SMG when compared to NG condition. At the same time, the expression of hepatocyte lineage markers in hBTSCs differentiated by HDM was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in SMG compared to NG, demonstrating an impaired capability of hBTSCs to differentiate in vitro toward mature hepatocytes when cultured in SMG condition. Furthermore, in HepG2 cells the SMG caused a lower (p < 0.05 vs controls) transcription of CYP3A4, a marker of late-stage (i.e. Zone 3) hepatocytes. Exo-metabolome NMR-analysis showed that both cell cultures consumed a higher amount of glucose and lower glutamate in SMG respect to NG (p < 0.05). Moreover, hBTSCs media cultures resulted richer of released fermentation (lactate, acetate) and ketogenesis products (B-hydroxybutyrate) in SGM (p < 0.05) than NG. While, HepG2 cells showed higher consumption of amino acids and release of ketoacids (3-Methyl-2-oxovalerate, 2-oxo-4-methyl-valerate) and formiate with respect to normogravity condition (p < 0.05). Based on our results, SMG could be helpful for developing hBTSCs-derived liver devices. In conclusion, SMG favored the formation of hBTSCs and HepG2 3D cultures and the maintenance of stemness contrasting cell differentiation; these effects being associated with stimulation of glycolytic metabolism. Interestingly, the impact of SMG on stem cell biology should be taken into consideration for workers involved in space medicine programs.

From a common progenitor to distinct liver epithelial phenotypes

The vertebrate liver presents a fascinating case study for how cell form is optimized for function. To execute its duties the liver assembles two distinct lumen-forming epithelial phenotypes: Firstly, cords with a branched, capillary-like luminal network formed between hepatocytes (bile canaliculi); and secondly, tubular ducts formed by biliary epithelial cells arranged around a central cavity and connected to the bile canaliculi. How these remarkably different epithelial polarity phenotypes are generated and joined into a contiguous luminal network are major unresolved questions. Recent studies have characterized the divergence of the two epithelial lineages from common progenitors, described the coordination of bile canaliculi formation with bile duct branching during biliary tree morphogenesis and implicated RhoA-dependent E-cadherin adhesion in the decision to polarize with hepatocytic or biliary phenotype.

Tumorigenic Properties of Drosophila Epithelial Cells Mutant for lethal giant larvae

BACKGROUND

Mutations in Drosophila tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) lead to the formation of invasive tumors in the brain and imaginal discs.

RESULTS

Here we studied the tumorigenic properties of imaginal discs mutant for the TSG gene lethal giant larvae (lgl). lgl mutant cells display the characteristic features of mammalian tumor cells: they can proliferate indefinitely, induce additional tracheogenesis (an insect counterpart of vasculogenesis) and invade neighboring tissues. Lgl mutant tissues exhibit high apoptotic levels, which lead to the activation of the Jun-N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway. We propose that JNK is a key factor in the acquisition of these tumorigenic properties; it promotes cell proliferation and induces high levels of Mmp1 and confers tumor cells capacity to invade wild-type tissue. Noteworthy, lgl RNAi-mediated down-regulation does not produce similar transformations in the central nervous system (CNS), thereby indicating a fundamental difference between the cells of developing imaginal discs and those of differentiated organs. We discuss these results in the light of the "single big-hit origin" of some human pediatric or developmental cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Down-regulation of lgl in imaginal discs is sufficient to enhance tracheogenesis and to promote invasion and colonization of other larval structures including the CNS. Developmental Dynamics 245:834-843, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cryopreservation protocol for human biliary tree stem/progenitors, hepatic and pancreatic precursors

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.

Potential ultrastructure predicting factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV infected patients

Hepatitis C virus represents one of the rising causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the early diagnosis of HCC is vital for successful curative treatment, the majority of lesions are diagnosed in an irredeemable phase. This work deals with a comparative ultrastructural study of experimentally gradually induced HCC, surgically resected HCC, and potential premalignant lesions from HCV-infected patients, with the prospect to detect cellular criteria denoting premalignant transformation. Among the main detected pathological changes which are postulated to precede frank HCC: failure of normal hepatocyte regeneration with star shape clonal fragmentation, frequent elucidation of hepatic progenitor cells and Hering canals, hepatocytes of different electron density loaded with small sized rounded monotonous mitochondria, increase junctional complexes bordering bile canaliculi and in between hepatocyte membranes, abundant cellular proteinaceous material with hypertrophied or vesiculated rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), sequestrated nucleus with proteinaceous granular material or hypertrophied RER, formation of lipolysosomes, large autophagosomes, and micro-vesicular fat deposition. In conclusion, the present work has visualized new hepatocytic division or regenerative process that mimic splitting or clonal fragmentation that occurs in primitive creature. Also, new observations that may be of value or assist in predicting HCC and identifying the appropriate patient for surveillance have been reported. Moreover, it has pointed to the possible malignant potentiality of liver stem/progenitor cells. For reliability, the results can be subjected to cohort longitudinal study.

Hepatocytic parental progenitor cells of rat small hepatocytes maintain self-renewal capability after long-term culture

The liver has a variety of functions for maintaining homeostasis, and hepatocytes play a major role. In contrast with the high regenerative capacity of mature hepatocytes (MHs) in vivo, they have not been successfully expanded ex vivo. Here we demonstrate that CD44-positive cells sorted from small hepatocyte (SH) colonies derived from a healthy adult rat liver can proliferate on a Matrigel-coated dish in serum-free chemically defined medium; in addition, a subpopulation of the cells can divide more than 50 times in a period of 17 weeks every 4-week-passage. The passage cells retained the capability to recover highly differentiated functions, such as glycogen storage, CYP activity and bile secretion. When Matrigel-treated cells from the third passage were transplanted into retrorsine/partial hepatectomy-treated rat livers, the cells engrafted to differentiate into MHs and cholangiocytes. These results suggest that long-term cultured CD44+ SHs retain hepatocytic characteristics in vitro and the capability to differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in vivo. Thus, a newly identified subpopulation of MHs possessing the attributes of hepatocytic stem/progenitor cells can be passaged several times without losing hepatocytic characteristics.

Hyaluronan coating improves liver engraftment of transplanted human biliary tree stem/progenitor cells

BACKGROUND

Cell therapy of liver diseases with human biliary tree stem cells (hBTSCs) is biased by low engraftment efficiency. Coating the hBTSCs with hyaluronans (HAs), the primary constituents of all stem cell niches, could facilitate cell survival, proliferation, and, specifically, liver engraftment given that HAs are cleared selectively by the liver.

METHODS

We developed a fast and easy method to coat hBTSCs with HA and assessed the effects of HA-coating on cell properties in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The HA coating markedly improved the viability, colony formation, and population doubling of hBTSCs in primary cultures, and resulted in a higher expression of integrins that mediate cell attachment to matrix components. When HA-coated hBTSCs were transplanted via the spleen into the liver of immunocompromised mice, the engraftment efficiency increased to 11% with respect to 3% of uncoated cells. Notably, HA-coated hBTSC transplantation in mice resulted in a 10-fold increase of human albumin gene expression in the liver and in a 2-fold increase of human albumin serum levels with respect to uncoated cells. Studies in distant organs showed minimal ectopic cell distribution without differences between HA-coated and uncoated hBTSCs and, specifically, cell seeding in the kidney was excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

A ready and economical procedure of HA cell coating greatly enhanced the liver engraftment of transplanted hBTSCs and improved their differentiation toward mature hepatocytes. HA coating could improve outcomes of stem cell therapies of liver diseases and could be immediately translated into the clinic given that GMP-grade HAs are already available for clinical use.

[Effect of pregnant rat adipose-derived stem cells on repair of acute liver injury]

Objective

To assess the effect of pregnant rat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on repair of acute liver injury.

Methods

ADSCs were isolated from 18-week pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and were identified by flow cytometry. Twenty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups A, B, C, and D ( n=5); rats in group A were not treated as normal controls; rats in groups B, C, and D were injected intraperitoneally with CCl ₄ to establish the acute liver injury model. At 2 hours after modeling, DPBS, 0.1 mL normal rat ADSCs (2×10 ⁶cells/mL), and pregnant rat ADSCs (2×10 ⁶cells/mL) were injected into the spleen in groups A, C, and D respectively; rats in group B was not treated. After 7 days, total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartic acid transaminase (AST), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP) in serum were measured. The liver tissue sections were stained with HE. The expressions of Ki67, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and ALB were measured by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The serum levels of TBIL, ALT, and AST in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A, C, and D ( P<0.05), but ALB and TP were significantly lower than those in groups A, C, and D ( P<0.05). The levels of TBIL, ALT, and AST were significantly higher in groups C and D than group A, and in group C than group D ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum levels of ALB among groups A, C, and D ( P>0.05). The serum level of TP in groups C and D was significantly lower than that in group A ( P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between group C and group D ( P>0.05). HE staining showed that the liver tissue of group A had clear structure; the cells arranged neatly with uniform size. The hepatocytes in group B showed obvious edema, disorderly arrangement, dot necrosis in liver lobules, and diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells. In groups C and D, the inflammation and hepatocellular necrosis were obviously reduced when compared with group B, and the number of vacuoles caused by dilation of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum was decreased; especially in group D, improvement of liver injury was more effective. The Ki67 positive cell rate was significantly higher in groups C and D than groups A and B ( P<0.05), in group B than group A ( P<0.05), and in group D than group C ( P<0.05). There was no expression of AFP in groups A and B, but positive expression was observed in groups C and D, and AFP positive cell rate of group D was significantly higher than that of group C ( t=3.006, P=0.017). ALB expression was significantly higher in groups C and D than groups A and B ( P<0.05), and in group D than group C ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

Pregnant rat ADSCs could promote repair of liver injury induced by CCl ₄.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation following Partial Hepatectomy: A New Concept to Promote Liver Regeneration-Systematic Review of the Literature Focused on Experimental Studies in Rodent Models

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive source for regenerative medicine because they are easily accessible through minimally invasive methods and have the potential to enhance liver regeneration (LG) and improve liver function, following partial hepatectomy (PH) and acute or chronic liver injury. A systematic review of the literature was conducted for articles published up to September 1st, 2016, using the MEDLINE database. The keywords that were used in various combinations were as follows: “Mesenchymal stem cells”, “transplantation”, “stem cells”, “adipose tissue derived stem cells”, “bone marrow-derived stem cells”, “partial hepatectomy”, “acute liver failure”, “chronic liver failure”, “liver fibrosis”, “liver cirrhosis”, “rats”, “mice”, and “liver regeneration”. All introduced keywords were searched for separately in MeSH Database to control relevance and terminological accuracy and validity. A total of 41 articles were identified for potential inclusion and reviewed in detail. After a strict selection process, a total of 28 articles were excluded, leaving 13 articles to form the basis of this systematic review. MSCs transplantation promoted LG and improved liver function. Furthermore, MSCs had the ability to differentiate in hepatocyte-like cells, increase survival, and protect hepatocytes by paracrine mechanisms. MSCs transplantation may provide beneficial effects in the process of LG after PH and acute or chronic liver injury. They may represent a new therapeutic option to treat posthepatectomy acute liver failure.

Immunofluorescence identifies distinct subsets of endothelial cells in the human liver

As well as systemic vascular endothelial cells, the liver has specialised sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC). LSEC dysfunction has been documented in many diseased states yet their phenotype in normal human liver has not been comprehensively assessed. Our aim was to improve characterisation of subsets of endothelial cells and associated pericytes in the human liver. Immunofluorescence microscopy was performed on normal human liver tissue samples to assess endothelial and structural proteins in a minimum of three donors. LSEC are distributed in an acinar pattern and universally express CD36, but two distinctive subsets of LSEC can be identified in different acinar zones. Type 1 LSEC are CD36^hiCD32⁻CD14⁻LYVE-1⁻ and are located in acinar zone 1 of the lobule, while Type 2 LSEC are LYVE-1⁺CD32^hiCD14⁺CD54⁺CD36^mid-lo and are located in acinar zones 2 and 3 of the lobule. Portal tracts and central veins can be identified using markers for systemic vascular endothelia and pericytes, none of which are expressed by LSEC. In areas of low hydrostatic pressure LSEC are lined by stellate cells that express the pericyte marker CD146. Our findings identify distinctive populations of LSEC and distinguish these cells from adjacent stellate cells, systemic vasculature and pericytes in different zones of the liver acinus.

Identification of Pathways in Liver Repair Potentially Targeted by Secretory Proteins from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

BACKGROUND

The beneficial impact of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on both acute and chronic liver diseases has been confirmed, although the molecular mechanisms behind it remain elusive. We aim to identify factors secreted by undifferentiated and hepatocytic differentiated MSC in vitro in order to delineate liver repair pathways potentially targeted by MSC.

METHODS

Secreted factors were determined by protein arrays and related pathways identified by biomathematical analyses.

RESULTS

MSC from adipose tissue and bone marrow expressed a similar pattern of surface markers. After hepatocytic differentiation, CD54 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1, ICAM-1) increased and CD166 (activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, ALCAM) decreased. MSC secreted different factors before and after differentiation. These comprised cytokines involved in innate immunity and growth factors regulating liver regeneration. Pathway analysis revealed cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, chemokine signalling pathways, the complement and coagulation cascades as well as the Januskinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NOD-like receptor) signalling pathways as relevant networks. Relationships to transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF1-α) signalling seemed also relevant.

CONCLUSION

MSC secreted proteins, which differed depending on cell source and degree of differentiation. The factors might address inflammatory and growth factor pathways as well as chemo-attraction and innate immunity. Since these are prone to dysregulation in most liver diseases, MSC release hepatotropic factors, potentially supporting liver regeneration.

Efficient generation of functional hepatocyte-like cells from mouse liver progenitor cells via indirect co-culture with immortalized human hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND

Differentiation of liver progenitor cells (LPCs) to functional hepatocytes holds great potential to develop new strategies for hepatocyte transplantation and the screening of drug-induced cytotoxicity. However, reports on the efficient and convenient hepatic differentiation of LPCs to hepatocytes are few. The present study aims to investigate the possibility of generating functional hepatocytes from LPCs in an indirect co-culture system.

METHODS

Mouse LPCs were co-cultured in Transwell plates with an immortalized human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC-Li) we previously established. The morphology, expression of hepatic markers, and functions of mouse LPC-derived cells were monitored and compared with those of conventionally cultured LPCs.

RESULTS

Co-culturing with HSC-Li cells induced differentiation of mouse LPCs into functional hepatocyte-like cells. The differentiated cells were morphologically transformed into hepatocyte-like cells 3 days after co-culture initiation. In addition, the differentiated cells expressed liver-specific genes and possessed hepatic functions, including glycogen storage, low-density lipoprotein uptake, albumin secretion, urea synthesis, and cytochrome P450 1A2 enzymatic activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our method, which employs indirect co-culture with HSC-Li cells, can efficiently induce the differentiation of LPCs into functional hepatocytes. This finding suggests that this co-culture system can be a useful method for the efficient generation of functional hepatocytes from LPCs.

Mechanism of pancreatic and liver malformations in human fetuses with short-rib polydactyly syndrome

BACKGROUND

The short-rib polydactyly (SRP) syndromes are rare skeletal dysplasias caused by abnormalities in primary cilia, sometimes associated with visceral malformations.

METHODS

The pathogenesis of ductal plate malformation (DPM) varies in different syndromes and has not been investigated in SRP. We have studied liver development in five SRP fetuses and pancreatic development in one SRP fetus, with genetically confirmed mutations in cilia related genes, with and without DPMs, using the immunoperoxidase technique, and compared these to other syndromes with DPM.

RESULTS

Acetylated tubulin expression was abnormal in DPM in SRP, Meckel syndrome, and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), confirming ciliary anomalies. SDF-1 was abnormally expressed in SRP and two of three cases of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) but not ARPKD or Meckel. Increased density of quiescent hepatic stellate cells was seen in SRP, Meckel, one of three cases of ARPKD, and two of three cases of ADPKD with aberrant hepatocyte expression of keratin 19 in SRP and ADPKD. Immunophenotypic abnormalities were present even in fetal liver without fully developed DPMs. The SRP case with DPM and pancreatic malformations showed abnormalities in the pancreatic head (influenced by mesenchyme from the septum transversum, similar to liver) but not pancreatic body (influenced by mesenchyme adjacent to the notochord).

CONCLUSION

In SRP, there are differentiation defects of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and liver mesenchyme and, in rare cases, pancreatic mesenchymal anomalies. The morphological changes were subtle in early gestation but immunophenotypic abnormalities were present. Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions may contribute to the malformations. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:549-562, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stem/Progenitor Cell Niches Involved in Hepatic and Biliary Regeneration

Niches containing stem/progenitor cells are present in different anatomical locations along the human biliary tree and within liver acini. The most primitive stem/progenitors, biliary tree stem/progenitor cells (BTSCs), reside within peribiliary glands located throughout large extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts. BTSCs are multipotent and can differentiate towards hepatic and pancreatic cell fates. These niches' matrix chemistry and other characteristics are undefined. Canals of Hering (bile ductules) are found periportally and contain hepatic stem/progenitor cells (HpSCs), participating in the renewal of small intrahepatic bile ducts and being precursors to hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. The niches also contain precursors to hepatic stellate cells and endothelia, macrophages, and have a matrix chemistry rich in hyaluronans, minimally sulfated proteoglycans, fetal collagens, and laminin. The microenvironment furnishes key signals driving HpSC activation and differentiation. Newly discovered third niches are pericentral within hepatic acini, contain Axin2+ unipotent hepatocytic progenitors linked on their lateral borders to endothelia forming the central vein, and contribute to normal turnover of mature hepatocytes. Their relationship to the other stem/progenitors is undefined. Stem/progenitor niches have important implications in regenerative medicine for the liver and biliary tree and in pathogenic processes leading to diseases of these tissues.

Liver progenitor cells-mediated liver regeneration in liver cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is defined as the histological development of regenerative nodules surrounded by fibrous bands in response to chronic liver injury. In cirrhotic liver where hepatocytes proliferation is compromised, liver progenitor cells (LPCs) are activated and then differentiated into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, leading to the generation of regenerative nodules and functional restoration. Here, we summarize and discuss recent findings on the mechanisms underlying LPCs-mediated regeneration in liver cirrhosis. Firstly, we provide recent research on the mechanism underlying LPCs activation in severe or chronic liver injury. Secondly, we present new and exciting data on exploring the origin of LPCs, which reveal that the hepatocytes give rise to duct-like progenitors that then differentiate back into hepatocytes in chronic liver injury or liver cirrhosis. Finally, we highlight recent findings from the literature exploring the role of LPCs niche in directing the behavior and fate of LPCs. This remarkable insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of LPCs-mediated regeneration in liver cirrhosis will provide a basis for translating this knowledge into clinical application.

Viewing cellular origin of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from perspective of tumor heterogeneity

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most frequent primary liver malignancy, representing approximately 5%-15% of all cases. ICC is a very heterogeneous tumor from any point of view, including epidemiology, risk factors, morphology, pathology, molecular pathology, growth and clinical features. For a long time, scholar believe that ICC is derived from the intrahepatic bile duct epithelium. Genome-wide, high-throughput technologies have resulted in major advances in understanding the molecular basis of ICC. Recent data have revealed that ICC may be derived from different cell types, including hepatocytes, dysplastic or immature bile duct epithelial cells, pluripotent stem cells (biliary tree stem/progenitor cells) and peribiliary glands cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that different cellular origins may be responsible for the heterogeneity of ICC.

The Therapeutic Promise of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Liver Restoration

Hepatocyte transplantation aims to provide a functional substitution of liver tissue lost due to trauma or toxins. Chronic liver diseases are associated with inflammation, deterioration of tissue homeostasis, and deprivation of metabolic capacity. Recent advances in liver biology have focused on the pro-regenerative features of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We argue that MSCs represent an attractive therapeutic option to treat liver disease. Indeed, their pleiotropic actions include the modulation of immune reactions, the stimulation of cell proliferation, and the attenuation of cell death responses. These characteristics are highly warranted add-ons to their capacity for hepatocyte differentiation. Undoubtedly, the elucidation of the regenerative mechanisms of MSCs in different liver diseases will promote their versatile and disease-specific therapeutic use.

Model of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinomas reveals striking enrichment in cancer stem cells

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.

Two Effective Routes for Removing Lineage Restriction Roadblocks: From Somatic Cells to Hepatocytes

The conversion of somatic cells to hepatocytes has fundamentally re-shaped traditional concepts regarding the limited resources for hepatocyte therapy. With the various induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation routes, most somatic cells can be effectively directed to functional stem cells, and this strategy will supply enough pluripotent material to generate promising functional hepatocytes. However, the major challenges and potential applications of reprogrammed hepatocytes remain under investigation. In this review, we provide a summary of two effective routes including direct reprogramming and indirect reprogramming from somatic cells to hepatocytes and the general potential applications of the resulting hepatocytes. Through these approaches, we are striving toward the goal of achieving a robust, mature source of clinically relevant lineages.

The development of hepatic stellate cells in normal and abnormal human fetuses - an immunohistochemical study

The precise embryological origin and development of hepatic stellate cells is not established. Animal studies and observations on human fetuses suggest that they derive from posterior mesodermal cells that migrate via the septum transversum and developing diaphragm to form submesothelial cells beneath the liver capsule, which give rise to mesenchymal cells including hepatic stellate cells. However, it is unclear if these are similar to hepatic stellate cells in adults or if this is the only source of stellate cells. We have studied hepatic stellate cells by immunohistochemistry, in developing human liver from autopsies of fetuses with and without malformations and growth restriction, using cellular Retinol Binding Protein-1 (cRBP-1), Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), and α-Smooth Muscle Actin (αSMA) antibodies, to identify factors that influence their development. We found that hepatic stellate cells expressing cRBP-1 are present from the end of the first trimester of gestation and reduce in density throughout gestation. They appear abnormally formed and variably reduced in number in fetuses with abnormal mesothelial Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) function, diaphragmatic hernia and in ectopic liver nodules without mesothelium. Stellate cells showed similarities to intravascular cells and their presence in a fetus with diaphragm agenesis suggests they may be derived from circulating stem cells. Our observations suggest circulating stem cells as well as mesothelium can give rise to hepatic stellate cells, and that they require normal mesothelial function for their development.

Adult Human Biliary Tree Stem Cells Differentiate to β-Pancreatic Islet Cells by Treatment with a Recombinant Human Pdx1 Peptide

Generation of β-pancreatic cells represents a major goal in research. The aim of this study was to explore a protein-based strategy to induce differentiation of human biliary tree stem cells (hBTSCs) towards β-pancreatic cells. A plasmid containing the sequence of the human pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) has been expressed in E. coli. Epithelial-Cell-Adhesion-Molecule positive hBTSCs or mature human hepatocyte cell line, HepG2, were grown in medium to which Pdx1 peptide was added. Differentiation toward pancreatic islet cells were evaluated by the expression of the β-cell transcription factors, Pdx1 and musculoapo-neurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A, and of the pancreatic hormones, insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, investigated by real time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, light microscopy and immunofluorescence. C-peptide secretion in response to high glucose was also measured. Results indicated how purified Pdx1 protein corresponding to the primary structure of the human Pdx1 by mass spectroscopy was efficiently produced in bacteria, and transduced into hBTSCs. Pdx1 exposure triggered the expression of both intermediate and mature stage β-cell differentiation markers only in hBTSCs but not in HepG2 cell line. Furthermore, hBTSCs exposed to Pdx1 showed up-regulation of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin genes and formation of 3-dimensional islet-like structures intensely positive for insulin and glucagon. Finally, Pdx1-induced islet-like structures exhibited glucose-regulated C-peptide secretion. In conclusion, the human Pdx1 is highly effective in triggering hBTSC differentiation toward functional β-pancreatic cells.

Lineage-dependent effects of aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists contribute to liver tumorigenesis

Rodent cancer bioassays indicate that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist, 2,3,7,8-tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), causes increases in both hepatocytic and cholangiocytic tumors. Effects of AHR activation have been evaluated on rodent hepatic stem cells (rHpSCs) versus their descendants, hepatoblasts (rHBs), two lineage stages of multipotent, hepatic precursors with overlapping but also distinct phenotypic traits. This was made possible by defining the first successful culture conditions for ex vivo maintenance of rHpScs consisting of a substratum of hyaluronans and Kubota's medium (KM), a serum-free medium designed for endodermal stem/progenitor cells. Supplementation of KM with leukemia inhibitory factor elicited lineage restriction to rHBs. Cultures were treated with various AHR agonists including TCDD, 6-formylindolo-[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), and 3-3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) and then analyzed with a combination of immunocytochemistry, gene expression, and high-content image analysis. The AHR agonists increased proliferation of rHpSCs at concentrations producing a persistent AHR activation as indicated by induction of Cyp1a1. By contrast, treatment with TCDD resulted in a rapid loss of viability of rHBs, even though the culture conditions, in the absence of the agonists, were permissive for survival and expansion of rHBs. The effects were not observed with FICZ and at lower concentrations of DIM.

CONCLUSION

Our findings are consistent with a lineage-dependent mode of action for AHR agonists in rodent liver tumorigenesis through selective expansion of rHpSCs in combination with a toxicity-induced loss of viability of rHBs. These lineage-dependent effects correlate with increased frequency of liver tumors.

Case Report: Fetal Bilateral Diaphragmatic Agenesis, Ectopic Liver and Abnormal Pancreas

Congenital bilateral diaphragm agenesis is a very rare condition. We describe limited (abdomen only) autopsy findings of a case of bilateral diaphragm agenesis in a 27-week male fetus with unusual findings of fibrosis of the pancreatic head and ectopic liver nodules in a mass at the upper abdomen that may represent a possible diaphragm anlage. We have correlated our observations with data from experimental and embryological studies to suggest possible mechanisms for the malformations that were present and their implications for our understanding of pancreas, liver and diaphragm development in the human fetus.

Hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis

Hepatic stellate cells are resident perisinusoidal cells distributed throughout the liver, with a remarkable range of functions in normal and injured liver. Derived embryologically from septum transversum mesenchyme, their precursors include submesothelial cells that invade the liver parenchyma from the hepatic capsule. In normal adult liver, their most characteristic feature is the presence of cytoplasmic perinuclear droplets that are laden with retinyl (vitamin A) esters. Normal stellate cells display several patterns of intermediate filaments expression (e.g., desmin, vimentin, and/or glial fibrillary acidic protein) suggesting that there are subpopulations within this parental cell type. In the normal liver, stellate cells participate in retinoid storage, vasoregulation through endothelial cell interactions, extracellular matrix homeostasis, drug detoxification, immunotolerance, and possibly the preservation of hepatocyte mass through secretion of mitogens including hepatocyte growth factor. During liver injury, stellate cells activate into alpha smooth muscle actin-expressing contractile myofibroblasts, which contribute to vascular distortion and increased vascular resistance, thereby promoting portal hypertension. Other features of stellate cell activation include mitogen-mediated proliferation, increased fibrogenesis driven by connective tissue growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta 1, amplified inflammation and immunoregulation, and altered matrix degradation. Evolving areas of interest in stellate cell biology seek to understand mechanisms of their clearance during fibrosis resolution by either apoptosis, senescence, or reversion, and their contribution to hepatic stem cell amplification, regeneration, and hepatocellular cancer.

The fetal liver as cell source for the regenerative medicine of liver and pancreas

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.

Mesenchymal progenitor cells in mouse foetal liver regulate differentiation and proliferation of hepatoblasts

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatoblasts are somatic progenitor cells of the foetal liver that possess high proliferative capacity and bi-potency for differentiation into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Although mesenchymal cells are known to be important for liver ontogeny, current understanding of their interaction with hepatoblasts remains obscure. Mesenchymal cell populations in the developing liver were purified and their potential to support proliferation and differentiation of hepatoblasts was examined.

METHODS

Foetal liver cells were fractionated with a flow cytometer using antibodies against cell surface markers. Gene expression of mesenchymal-specific transcripts and morphological characteristics were analysed. The ability of the mesenchymal cells to support hepatoblast function was analysed using a transwell and direct coculture system.

RESULTS

CD45(-) Ter119(-) CD71(-) Dlk1(mid) PDGFRα(+) cells from the mid-foetal stage liver expressed the mesenchymal cell-specific transcription factors H2.0-like homeobox 1 and LIM homeobox 2 at high levels. Foetal mesenchymal cells make contact with hepatoblasts in vivo and possess the potential to differentiate into chondrocytes, osteocytes and adipocytes under appropriate cell culture conditions, indicating that these cells are possible candidates for mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells. Foetal mesenchymal cells expressed pleiotrophin, hepatocyte growth factor and midkine 1, which are involved in the growth of hepatoblasts. Using the coculture system with hepatoblasts and foetal mesenchymal cells, these cells were shown to support proliferation and maturation of hepatoblasts through indirect and direct interactions respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Dlk1(mid) PDGFRα(+) cells in non-haematopoetic fraction derived from the foetal liver exhibit mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell characteristics and have abilities to support proliferation and differentiation of hepatoblasts.

Concise review: bone marrow autotransplants for liver disease?

There are increasing reports of using bone marrow-derived stem cells to treat advanced liver disease. We consider several critical issues that underlie this approach. For example, are there multipotent stem cell populations in human adult bone marrow? Can they develop into liver cells or supporting cell types? What are stromal stem/progenitor cells, and can they promote tissue repair without replacing hepatocytes? Does reversal of end-stage liver disease require new hepatocytes, a new liver microenvironment, both, neither or something else? Although many of these questions are unanswered, we consider the conceptual and experimental bases underlying these issues and critically analyze results of clinical trials of stem cell therapy of end-stage liver disease.

Liver bioengineering: from the stage of liver decellularized matrix to the multiple cellular actors and bioreactor special effects

Liver bioengineering has been a field of intense research and popular excitement in the past decades. It experiences great interest since the introduction of whole liver acellular scaffolds generated by perfusion decellularization (1-3). Nevertheless, the different strategies developed so far have failed to generate hepatic tissue in vitro bioequivalent to native liver tissue. Even notable novel strategies that rely on iPSC-derived liver progenitor cells potential to self-organize in association with endothelial cells in hepatic organoids are lacking critical components of the native tissue (e.g., bile ducts, functional vascular network, hepatic microarchitecture, etc) (4). Hence, it is vital to understand the strengths and short comes of our current strategies in this quest to re-create liver organogenesis in vitro. To shed some light into these issues, this review describes the different actors that play crucial roles in liver organogenesis and highlights the steps still missing to successfully generate whole livers and hepatic organoids in vitro for multiple applications.

Regulation of the hepatitis C virus RNA replicase by endogenous lipid peroxidation

Although oxidative tissue injury often accompanies viral infection, there is little understanding of how it influences virus replication. We show that multiple hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes are exquisitely sensitive to oxidative membrane damage, a property distinguishing them from other pathogenic RNA viruses. Lipid peroxidation, regulated in part through sphingosine kinase 2, severely restricts HCV replication in Huh-7 cells and primary human hepatoblasts. Endogenous oxidative membrane damage lowers the 50% effective concentration of direct-acting antivirals, suggesting critical regulation of the conformation of the NS3/4A protease and NS5B polymerase, membrane-bound HCV replicase components. Resistance to lipid peroxidation maps genetically to trans-membrane and membrane-proximal residues within these proteins, and is essential for robust replication in cell culture, as exemplified by the atypical JFH1 strain. Thus, the typical, wild-type HCV replicase is uniquely regulated by lipid peroxidation, providing a novel mechanism for attenuating replication in stressed tissue and possibly facilitating long-term viral persistence.

Biliary tree stem cells, precursors to pancreatic committed progenitors: evidence for possible life-long pancreatic organogenesis

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.

Molecular mechanisms of stem cell therapy in alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease affects a great number of people worldwide. With limited therapeutic options, stem cell therapy offers significant potential for these patients. To date, a limited number of clinical trials have produced transient clinical responses to cell therapy in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Stem cell therapy to reorganize the postnatal liver is an important theme and mission for patients with chronic liver disorders including alcoholic liver injury. We therefore should redevelop the evidence of cell-based liver regeneration therapy, focusing on targets (disease, patient's status and hepatic function), materials (cells, cytokines and genes), and methodology (stem cell types and their derived microparticles, transplantation route, implantation technology and tissue engineering). In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding the experimental and clinical use of mesenchymal and liver stem cells, focusing mainly on the treatment of alcoholic liver disorders and their relevance in the field of regenerative medicine, and advances on the role of microvesicles and exosomes in this process. We discuss new advances in stem cell therapy from liver regeneration to liver re-organization, which is involved in the recent progress of on-going clinical trials, basic research in stem cell therapy and liver regeneration, and updated exosomes/microvesicles recovery/repairing technology.

Mesenchymal stem cells support hepatocyte function in engineered liver grafts

Recent studies suggest that organ decellularization is a promising approach to facilitate the clinical application of regenerative therapy by providing a platform for organ engineering. This unique strategy uses native matrices to act as a reservoir for the functional cells which may show therapeutic potential when implanted into the body. Appropriate cell sources for artificial livers have been debated for some time. The desired cell type in artificial livers is primary hepatocytes, but in addition, other supportive cells may facilitate this stem cell technology. In this context, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is an option meeting the criteria for therapeutic organ engineering. Ideally, supportive cells are required to (1) reduce the hepatic cell mass needed in an engineered liver by enhancing hepatocyte function, (2) modulate hepatic regeneration in a paracrine fashion or by direct contact, and (3) enhance the preservability of parenchymal cells during storage. Here, we describe enhanced hepatic function achieved using a strategy of sequential infusion of cells and illustrate the advantages of co-cultivating bone marrow-derived MSCs with primary hepatocytes in the engineered whole-liver scaffold. These co-recellularized liver scaffolds colonized by MSCs and hepatocytes were transplanted into live animals. After blood flow was established, we show that expression of adhesion molecules and proangiogenic factors was upregulated in the graft.

The functional role of microRNAs in alcoholic liver injury

The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) during alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has recently become of great interest in biological research. Studies have shown that ALD associated miRNAs play a crucial role in the regulation of liver-inflammatory agents such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), one of the key inflammatory agents responsible for liver fibrosis (liver scarring) and the critical contributor of alcoholic liver disease. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria, is responsible for TNF-α release by Kupffer cells. miRNAs are the critical mediators of LPS signalling in Kupffer cells, hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells. Certain miRNAs, in particular miR-155 and miR-21, show a positive correlation in up-regulation of LPS signalling when they are exposed to ethanol. ALD is related to enhanced gut permeability that allows the levels of LPS to increase, leads to increased secretion of TNF-α by the Kupffer cells and subsequently promotes alcoholic liver injury through specific miRNAs. Meanwhile, two of the most frequently dysregulated miRNAs in steatohepatitis, miR-122 and miR-34a are the critical mediators in ethanol/LPS activated survival signalling during ALD. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the experimental and clinical aspects of functions of specific microRNAs, focusing mainly on inflammation and cell survival after ethanol/LPS treatment, and advances on the role of circulating miRNAs in human alcoholic disorders.

Unbalanced distribution of materials: the art of giving rise to hepatocytes from liver stem/progenitor cells

Liver stem/progenitor cells (LSPCs) are able to duplicate themselves and differentiate into each type of cells in the liver, including mature hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. Understanding how to accurately control the hepatic differentiation of LSPCs is a challenge in many fields from preclinical to clinical treatments. This review summarizes the recent advances made to control the hepatic differentiation of LSPCs over the last few decades. The hepatic differentiation of LSPCs is a gradual process consisting of three main steps: initiation, progression and accomplishment. The unbalanced distribution of the affecting materials in each step results in the hepatic maturation of LSPCs. As the innovative and creative works for generating hepatocytes with full functions from LSPCs are gradually accumulated, LSPC therapies will soon be a new choice for treating liver diseases.

Stages based molecular mechanisms for generating cholangiocytes from liver stem/progenitor cells

Except for the most organized mature hepatocytes, liver stem/progenitor cells (LSPCs) can differentiate into many other types of cells in the liver including cholangiocytes. In addition, LSPCs are demonstrated to be able to give birth to other kinds of extra-hepatic cell types such as insulin-producing cells. Even more, under some bad conditions, these LSPCs could generate liver cancer stem like cells (LCSCs) through malignant transformation. In this review, we mainly concentrate on the molecular mechanisms for controlling cell fates of LSPCs, especially differentiation of cholangiocytes, insulin-producing cells and LCSCs. First of all, to certificate the cell fates of LSPCs, the following three features need to be taken into account to perform accurate phenotyping: (1) morphological properties; (2) specific markers; and (3) functional assessment including in vivo transplantation. Secondly, to promote LSPCs differentiation, systematical attention should be paid to inductive materials (such as growth factors and chemical stimulators), progressive materials including intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways, and implementary materials (such as liver enriched transcriptive factors). Accordingly, some recommendations were proposed to standardize, optimize, and enrich the effective production of cholangiocyte-like cells out of LSPCs. At the end, the potential regulating mechanisms for generation of cholangiocytes by LSPCs were carefully analyzed. The differentiation of LSPCs is a gradually progressing process, which consists of three main steps: initiation, progression and accomplishment. It’s the unbalanced distribution of affecting materials in each step decides the cell fates of LSPCs.

Concise review: clinical programs of stem cell therapies for liver and pancreas

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.

Human pluripotent stem cells for modelling human liver diseases and cell therapy

The liver is affected by many types of diseases, including metabolic disorders and acute liver failure. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is currently the only effective treatment for life-threatening liver diseases but transplantation of allogeneic hepatocytes has now become an alternative as it is less invasive than OLT and can be performed repeatedly. However, this approach is hampered by the shortage of organ donors, and the problems related to the isolation of high quality adult hepatocytes, their cryopreservation and their absence of proliferation in culture. Liver is also a key organ to assess the pharmacokinetics and toxicology of xenobiotics and for drug discovery, but appropriate cell culture systems are lacking. All these problems have highlighted the need to explore other sources of cells such as stem cells that could be isolated, expanded to yield sufficiently large populations and then induced to differentiate into functional hepatocytes. The presence of a niche of “facultative” progenitor and stem cells in the normal liver has recently been confirmed but they display no telomerase activity. The recent discovery that human induced pluripotent stem cells can be generated from somatic cells has renewed hopes for regenerative medicine and in vitro disease modelling, as these cells are easily accessible. We review here the present progresses, limits and challenges for the generation of functional hepatocytes from human pluripotent stem cells in view of their potential use in regenerative medicine and drug discovery.

Human Liver Progenitor Cells for Liver Repair

Because of their high proliferative capacity, resistance to cryopreservation, and ability to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells, stem and progenitor cells have recently emerged as attractive cell sources for liver cell therapy, a technique used as an alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation in the treatment of various hepatic ailments ranging from metabolic disorders to end-stage liver disease. Although stem and progenitor cells have been isolated from various tissues, obtaining them from the liver could be an advantage for the treatment of hepatic disorders. However, the techniques available to isolate these stem/progenitor cells are numerous and give rise to cell populations with different morphological and functional characteristics. In addition, there is currently no established consensus on the tests that need to be performed to ensure the quality and safety of these cells when used clinically. The purpose of this review is to describe the different types of liver stem/progenitor cells currently reported in the literature, discuss their suitability and limitations in terms of clinical applications, and examine how the culture and transplantation techniques can potentially be improved to achieve a better clinical outcome.