In vitro differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchy-mal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells

ABSTRACT

Orthotropic liver transplantation [OLT] is the final procedure of both end stage and metabolic liver diseases. Hepatocyte transplantation is an alternative for OLT, but the sources of hepatocytes are limited. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells [BM-MSCs] can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells and are a potential alternative source for hepatocytes. We aimed to investigate the differentiation potential of BM-MSCs into hepatocyte-like cells. Human BM-MSCs from a healthy donor were cultured and differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells. We investigated the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers in MSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells [MSC-HLC[s]] and evaluated their functionality using metabolic assays. MSC-HLCs expressed hepatocyte-specific markers at both mRNAand protein levels. In addition, the cells had the ability to uptake low density lipoprotein [LDL], clear ammonia, secrete albumin, and store glycogen. MSC-HLCs were transplanted into a familial hypercholesteromia patient. Human MSCs can be differentiated into partially functional hepatocyte-like cells. Thus, they could be a potential source for cell therapy in liver disorders