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Famulari ES, Navarro-Tableros V, Herrera Sanchez MB, Bortolussi G, Gai M, Conti L, Silengo L, Tolosano E, Tetta C, Muro AF, Camussi G, Fagoonee S, Altruda F. Human liver stem cells express UGT1A1 and improve phenotype of immunocompromised Crigler Najjar syndrome type I mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:887. [PMID: 31965023 PMCID: PMC6972964 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Crigler Najjar Syndrome type I (CNSI) is a rare recessive disorder caused by mutations in the Ugt1a1 gene. There is no permanent cure except for liver transplantation, and current therapies present several shortcomings. Since stem cell-based therapy offers a promising alternative for the treatment of this disorder, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of human liver stem cells (HLSC) in immune-compromised NOD SCID Gamma (NSG)/Ugt1−/− mice, which closely mimic the pathological manifestations in CNSI patients. To assess whether HLSC expressed UGT1A1, decellularised mouse liver scaffolds were repopulated with these cells. After 15 days’ culture ex vivo, HLSC differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells showing UGT1A1 expression and activity. For the in vivo human cell engraftment and recovery experiments, DiI-labelled HLSC were injected into the liver of 5 days old NSG/Ugt1−/− pups which were analysed at postnatal Day 21. HLSC expressed UGT1A1 in vivo, induced a strong decrease in serum unconjugated bilirubin, thus significantly improving phenotype and survival compared to untreated controls. A striking recovery from brain damage was also observed in HLSC-injected mutant mice versus controls. Our proof-of-concept study shows that HLSC express UGT1A1 in vivo and improve the phenotype and survival of NSG/Ugt1−/− mice, and show promises for the treatment of CNSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Smeralda Famulari
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Victor Navarro-Tableros
- 2i3T - Società per la gestione dell'incubatore di imprese e per il trasferimento tecnologico dell'Università degli studi di Torino, Scarl and Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Beatriz Herrera Sanchez
- 2i3T - Società per la gestione dell'incubatore di imprese e per il trasferimento tecnologico dell'Università degli studi di Torino, Scarl and Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Bortolussi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Marta Gai
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Silengo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR c/o Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tolosano
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Andrés Fernando Muro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Camussi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR c/o Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy.
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. .,Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR c/o Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy.
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Hu X, Xie P, Li W, Li Z, Shan H. Direct induction of hepatocyte-like cells from immortalized human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by overexpression of HNF4α. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 478:791-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Strick-Marchand H, Dusséaux M, Darche S, Huntington ND, Legrand N, Masse-Ranson G, Corcuff E, Ahodantin J, Weijer K, Spits H, Kremsdorf D, Di Santo JP. A novel mouse model for stable engraftment of a human immune system and human hepatocytes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119820. [PMID: 25782010 PMCID: PMC4364106 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic infections by hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Plasmodium parasites leading to acute or chronic diseases constitute a global health challenge. The species tropism of these hepatotropic pathogens is restricted to chimpanzees and humans, thus model systems to study their pathological mechanisms are severely limited. Although these pathogens infect hepatocytes, disease pathology is intimately related to the degree and quality of the immune response. As a first step to decipher the immune response to infected hepatocytes, we developed an animal model harboring both a human immune system (HIS) and human hepatocytes (HUHEP) in BALB/c Rag2-/- IL-2Rγc-/- NOD.sirpa uPAtg/tg mice. The extent and kinetics of human hepatocyte engraftment were similar between HUHEP and HIS-HUHEP mice. Transplanted human hepatocytes were polarized and mature in vivo, resulting in 20-50% liver chimerism in these models. Human myeloid and lymphoid cell lineages developed at similar frequencies in HIS and HIS-HUHEP mice, and splenic and hepatic compartments were humanized with mature B cells, NK cells and naïve T cells, as well as monocytes and dendritic cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that HIS-HUHEP mice can be stably (> 5 months) and robustly engrafted with a humanized immune system and chimeric human liver. This novel HIS-HUHEP model provides a platform to investigate human immune responses against hepatotropic pathogens and to test novel drug strategies or vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Strick-Marchand
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U668, Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Dusséaux
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U668, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Darche
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U668, Paris, France
| | - Nicholas D. Huntington
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U668, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Legrand
- Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guillemette Masse-Ranson
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U668, Paris, France
| | - Erwan Corcuff
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U668, Paris, France
| | - James Ahodantin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U845, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Kees Weijer
- Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hergen Spits
- Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dina Kremsdorf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U845, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - James P. Di Santo
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U668, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Verhulst S, Best J, van Grunsven LA, Dollé L. Advances in hepatic stem/progenitor cell biology. EXCLI JOURNAL 2015; 14:33-47. [PMID: 26600740 PMCID: PMC4650945 DOI: 10.17179/excli2014-576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The liver is famous for its strong regenerative capacity, employing different modes of regeneration according to type and extent of injury. Mature liver cells are able to proliferate in order to replace the damaged tissue allowing the recovery of the parenchymal function. In more severe scenarios hepatocytes are believed to arise also from a facultative liver progenitor cell compartment. In human, severe acute liver failure and liver cirrhosis are also both important clinical targets in which regeneration is impaired, where the role of this stem cell compartment seems more convincing. In animal models, the current state of ambiguity regarding the identity and role of liver progenitor cells in liver physiology dampens the enthusiasm for the potential use of these cells in regenerative medicine. The aim of this review is to give the basics of liver progenitor cell biology and discuss recent results vis-à-vis their identity and contribution to liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefaan Verhulst
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jan Best
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo A. van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurent Dollé
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Enomoto Y, Enomura M, Takebe T, Mitsuhashi Y, Kimura M, Yoshizawa E, Taniguchi H. Self-formation of vascularized hepatic tissue from human adult hepatocyte. Transplant Proc 2014; 46:1243-6. [PMID: 24815171 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2013.11.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent study has demonstrated the important role of endothelial-mesenchymal interactions in 3-dimensional self-organization of immature progenitor populations with the use of mimicking of organogenesis. Here, we show that the same principle can be applicable to adult mature cells, ie, human adult hepatocytes (hAHs). METHODS We cultivated hAHs with fluorescence-labeled human mesenchymal cells (hMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in micro-well culture plates and observed them for 9 days. Fluorescence microscopy imaging analyses were performed to evaluate the internal structures of generated 3-dimensional tissues. Maintenance of in vitro protein production capacity was examined with the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS hAHs started to self-organize into 3-dimensional tissue with the use of coculturing with hMSCs and HUVECs. Live imaging analyses showed that endothelial cells started sprouting inside the generated tissues after 2 days of culture. ELISA showed that human albumin production capacity was improved with the use of coculture compared with hAHs-only culture after 9 days. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that 3-dimensional vascularized hepatic tissue could be generated from hAHs by reconstituting endothelial-mesenchymal interactions. Future studies are needed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of vascularized hepatic tissue transplantation, and this may pave a new way to establish a new transplantation modality as an alternative to hepatocyte transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Enomoto
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - M Enomura
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - T Takebe
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan; Project Leader of Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan; PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan.
| | - Y Mitsuhashi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - M Kimura
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - E Yoshizawa
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - H Taniguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan; Project Leader of Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
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Li J, Xin J, Zhang L, Wu J, Jiang L, Zhou Q, Li J, Guo J, Cao H, Li L. Human hepatic progenitor cells express hematopoietic cell markers CD45 and CD109. Int J Med Sci 2014; 11:65-79. [PMID: 24396288 PMCID: PMC3880993 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.7426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To clarify the precise characteristics of human hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) for future cytotherapy in liver diseases. METHODS Hepatic progenitor-like cells were isolated and cultured from the livers of patients who had undergone partial hepatectomy for various pathologies but displayed no sign of hepatic dysfunction. These cells were characterized by transcriptomic profiling, quantitative real-time PCR and immunocyto/histochemistry. RESULTS Cultured HPCs contained polygonal, high nucleus/cytoplasm ratio and exhibited a global gene expression profile similar (67.8%) to that of primary hepatocytes. Among the genes with more than 20-fold higher expression in HPCs were a progenitor marker (CD90), a pentraxin-related gene (PTX3), collagen proteins (COL5A2, COL1A1 and COL4A2), cytokines (EGF and PDGFD), metabolic enzymes (CYBRD1, BCAT1, TIMP2 and PAM), a secreted protein (SPARC) and an endothelial protein C receptor (PROCR). Moreover, eight markers (ALB, AFP, CK8, CK18, CK19, CD90, CD117 and Oval-6) previously described as HPC markers were validated by qRT-PCR and/or immunocyto/histochemistry. Interestingly, human HPCs were also positive for the hematopoietic cell markers CD45 and CD109. Finally, we characterized the localization of HPCs in the canals of Hering and periportal areas with six previously described markers (Oval-6, CK8, CK18, CK19, CD90 and CD117) and two potential markers (CD45 and CD109). CONCLUSION The human HPCs are highly similar to primary hepatocytes in their transcriptional profiles. The CD45 and CD109 markers could potentially be utilized to identify and isolate HPCs for further cytotherapy of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- 1. State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
| | - Jiaojiao Xin
- 1. State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- 1. State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
| | - Jian Wu
- 2. Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
| | - Longyan Jiang
- 1. State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
| | - Qian Zhou
- 1. State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
| | - Jun Li
- 3. Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, China. 310003
| | - Jing Guo
- 1. State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
| | - Hongcui Cao
- 1. State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- 1. State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou, 310003. China
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Shablii VA, Lukash LL, Lobintseva GS. The role of some donor-host cell interactions under a microenvironmental influence during regeneration processes. CYTOL GENET+ 2012. [DOI: 10.3103/s0095452712030097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Abstract
"Humanized" mice offer a window into aspects of human physiology that are otherwise inaccessible. The best available methods for liver humanization rely on cell transplantation into immunodeficient mice with liver injury but these methods have not gained widespread use due to the duration and variability of hepatocyte repopulation. In light of the significant progress that has been achieved in clinical cell transplantation through tissue engineering, we sought to develop a humanized mouse model based on the facile and ectopic implantation of a tissue-engineered human liver. These human ectopic artificial livers (HEALs) stabilize the function of cryopreserved primary human hepatocytes through juxtacrine and paracrine signals in polymeric scaffolds. In contrast to current methods, HEALs can be efficiently established in immunocompetent mice with normal liver function. Mice transplanted with HEALs exhibit humanized liver functions persistent for weeks, including synthesis of human proteins, human drug metabolism, drug-drug interaction, and drug-induced liver injury. Here, mice with HEALs are used to predict the disproportionate metabolism and toxicity of "major" human metabolites using multiple routes of administration and monitoring. These advances may enable manufacturing of reproducible in vivo models for diverse drug development and research applications.
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Fagoonee S, Pellicano R, Silengo L, Altruda F. Potential applications of germline cell-derived pluripotent stem cells in organ regeneration. Organogenesis 2011; 7:116-22. [PMID: 21593601 DOI: 10.4161/org.7.2.16284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Impressive progress has been made since the turn of the century in the field of stem cells. Different types of stem cells have now been isolated from different types of tissues. Pluripotent stem cells are the most promising cell source for organ regeneration. One such cell type is the germline cell-derived pluripotent cell, which is derived from adult spermatogonial stem cells. The germline cell-derived pluripotent stem cells have been obtained from both human and mouse and, importantly, are adult stem cells with embryonic stem cell-like properties that do not require specific manipulations for pluripotency acquisition, hence bypassing problems related to induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells. The germline cell-derived pluripotent stem cells have been induced to differentiate into cells deriving from the three germ layers and shown to be functional in vitro. This review will discuss the plasticity of the germline cell-derived pluripotent stem cells and their potential applications in human organ regeneration, with special emphasis on liver regeneration. Potential problems related to their use are also highlighted.
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Wallace K, Fairhall EA, Charlton KA, Wright MC. AR42J-B-13 cell: an expandable progenitor to generate an unlimited supply of functional hepatocytes. Toxicology 2010; 278:277-87. [PMID: 20685382 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocytes are the preparation of choice for Toxicological research in vitro. However, despite the fact that hepatocytes proliferate in vivo during liver regeneration, they are resistant to proliferation in vitro, do not tolerate sub-culture and tend to enter a de-differentiation program that results in a loss of hepatic function. These limitations have resulted in the search for expandable rodent and human cells capable of being directed to differentiate into functional hepatocytes. Research with stem cells suggests that it may be possible to provide the research community with hepatocytes in vitro although to date, significant challenges remain, notably generating a sufficiently pure population of hepatocytes with a quantitative functionality comparable with hepatocytes. This paper reviews work with the AR42J-B-13 (B-13) cell line. The B-13 cell was cloned from the rodent AR42J pancreatic cell line, express genes associated with pancreatic acinar cells and readily proliferates in simple culture media. When exposed to glucocorticoid, 75-85% of the cells trans-differentiate into hepatocyte-like (B-13/H) cells functioning at a level quantitatively similar to freshly isolated rat hepatocytes (with the remaining cells retaining the B-13 phenotype). Trans-differentiation of pancreatic acinar cells also appears to occur in vivo in rats treated with glucocorticoid; in mice with elevated circulating glucocorticoid and in humans treated for long periods with glucocorticoid. The B-13 response to glucocorticoid therefore appears to be related to a real pathophysiological response of a pancreatic cell to glucocorticoid. An understanding of how this process occurs and if it can be generated or engineered in human cells would result in a cell line with the ability to generate an unlimited supply of functional human hepatocytes in a cost effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wallace
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The liver has an extraordinary faculty to regenerate. Hepatocytes are highly differentiated cells that, despite a resting G0 state in the normal quiescent liver, can re-enter the cell cycle to reconstitute the organ after an injury. However, the first cell therapy approaches trying to harness this specific characteristic of the hepatocytes came up against the competition with resident hepatocytes in the ability to proliferate. This review will describe the different rodent models that have been developed in the last 15 years to demonstrate the concept of liver repopulation with transplanted cells harbouring a selective advantage over resident hepatocytes. Examples will then be given to show how these models demonstrated the therapeutic efficiency of cell transplantation in specific disorders. The transplantation of human hepatocytes into some of these mouse models led to the creation of humanized livers. These humanized mice provide a powerful tool to study the physiopathology of human hepatotropic pathogens and to develop drugs against them. Finally, emphasis will be placed on the role of these rodent models in the demonstration of the hepatocytic potential of stem cells.
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