肌成纤维细胞促进小鼠胚胎肝干细胞的增殖和分化

移植细胞的增殖和分化需要微环境支持。作为最重要的微环境成分,肌成纤维细胞在肿瘤的生长过程中发挥着重要作用。该实验Hepa1-6肿瘤细胞上清液在体外激活成纤维细胞分化为肌成纤维细胞,探讨肌成纤维细胞上清对小鼠胚胎肝干细胞（embryonic hepatic stem cells,EHSCs）HP14.5增殖和分化的影响。实验将EHSCs HP14.5分为三组：DMEM培养液处理组（DMEM组）、成纤维细胞上清液处理组（CMFb组）及肌成纤维细胞上清液处理组（CMAFb组）。MTT法绘制三组HP14.5细胞生长曲线图,免疫荧光法及Real-time PCR法检分别测白蛋白（albumin,ALB）、甲胎蛋白（alpha fetoprotein,AFP）、细胞角蛋白18（cytokeratin 18,CK18）的蛋白及mRNA表达情况,PAS染色法检测糖原合成状况。MTT法检测显示,CMAFb组胚胎肝干细胞增殖明显速度较其他两组快。免疫荧光染色及Real-time PCR结果显示,HP14.5培养5 d后,CMAFb组ALB和CK18的蛋白及mRNA表达水平以及糖原合成水平显著高于CMFb组及DMEM组,而AFP蛋白和mRNA表达水平明显降低。该实验表明,Hepa1-6激活的成纤维细胞能促进胚胎干肝细胞的增殖以及分化为有功能的成熟肝细胞。     

低浓度血清促进胚胎肝祖细胞诱导分化

为了探讨不同血清浓度诱导培养条件下对体外诱导胚胎肝祖细胞成熟分化的影响。本研究选用含有10%FBS、5%FBS、2%FBS的DMEM/HGF/FGF4肝细胞培养基体外诱导胚胎肝祖细胞的成熟分化,分别于诱导后0d、3d、6d、9d、12dALB-GLuc检测细胞白蛋白的合成水平,细胞计数检测细胞的成长曲线。RT-PCR检测肝细胞相关标志DLK、AFP、CK18,免疫荧光检测ALB、UGT1A的表达情况。ICG摄取和尿素氮检测肝细胞成熟功能。诱导后第三天,ALB-GLuc开始增高,于第9天达高峰,2%FBS组ALB-GLuc读数最高。生长曲线显示低血清浓度下细胞的增殖速度明显慢于高血清浓度。RT-PCR和免疫荧光结果显示诱导后第9天,3个诱导组DLK、AFP表达低于无诱导组,CK18、ALB、UGT1A均高于无诱导组,2%FBS组差异最显著。3个诱导组的肝细胞ICG摄取能力明显增高,2%FBS组ICG阳性细胞数为(60.2±9.0)%,明显高于5%FBS(45.0±3.6)%及10%FBS组(35.2±2.9)%,诱导后肝细胞的尿素合成功能增强,尤其是2%FBS组。低浓度血清培养条件能更好的诱导胚胎肝祖细胞的体外成熟分化。     

模拟微重力条件下对WB-F344肝干细胞表征分子表达的影响

研究大鼠WB-F344肝干细胞在旋转式细胞培养系统（RCCS）中培养进行细胞大规模扩增并保持干细胞的特性的可能性,为干细胞治疗疾病及肝组织工程提供理想的细胞来源。以WB-F344肝干细胞在RCCS中培养,以平面单层培养为对照,在培养后不同时间分别进行形态观察、流式细胞仪测细胞周期、逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）检测肝干细胞特异性基因甲胎蛋白（AFP）和白蛋白（ALB）的表达, 免疫荧光染色检测 AFP、ALB蛋白的表达。结果表明,RCCS培养的WB-F344细胞粘附在Cytodex-3微载体上状态生长良好,细胞增殖较平面培养有明显增加;RT-PCR和免疫荧光染色检测结果一致：模拟微重力培养组AFP的mRNA表达强度及AFP阳性细胞均显著高于平面培养组,而ALB mRNA表达强度和ALB阳性细胞均低于对照组。说明模拟微重力 培养条件下,能较好的维持肝干细胞特性,进一步证明我们建立的这种培养体系是成功的,是一种理想的肝干细胞培养模式。     

全反式维甲酸调控自噬促进肝祖细胞成熟分化的作用研究

该研究探讨全反式维甲酸(all-trans retinoic acid,ATRA)体外诱导小鼠胚胎肝祖细胞HP14-19细胞成熟分化及ATRA对细胞自噬水平的调控作用。应用1μmol/L ATRA处理小鼠胚胎肝祖细胞HP14-19细胞,不同时间点进行荧光素酶报告基因检测ALB-Gluc活性,Real-time PCR检测肝细胞相关标志基因的表达,吲哚菁绿(indocyanine green,ICG)及过碘酸–希夫(periodicacid-schiff,PAS)染色检测细胞的成熟功能;透射电镜观察自噬体及细胞连接,ptf LC3质粒转染细胞,激光共聚焦显微镜观察自噬流,Western blot检测自噬相关标志蛋白质水平等综合分析自噬的变化情况。结果显示,与对照组相比,ATRA可显著增强HP14-19细胞ALB-Gluc活性,抑制肝前体细胞标志DLK和AFP的表达,促进成熟肝细胞标志ALB、CK18、TAT和Apo B的表达,ICG及PAS染色阳性细胞数显著增多(P0.05);透射电镜结果可见ATRA诱导组出现大量自噬体和自噬溶酶体,同时细胞间紧密连接增多,并且自噬相关标志蛋白质Beclin1、LC3-II、RAB7水平增高,P62水平无显著变化,LC3-II/LC3-I的比值明显增加(P0.05);激光共聚焦显微镜可见ATRA组细胞质内黄色斑点的自噬体及红色斑点的自噬溶酶体均较对照组明显增多,自噬抑制剂3-MA和Baflomycin可抑制ATRA诱导的HP14-19细胞的ICG摄取和糖原合成功能。综上所述,ATRA可能通过调节细胞自噬水平有效诱导小鼠胚胎肝祖细胞的分化成熟。     

胎肝滤液诱导大鼠胎盘间充质干细胞向肝细胞的分化

目的探讨PDMSCs向肝细胞增殖和分化的体外培养条件及方法。方法孕20 d的大鼠无菌条件下取胎盘,经胶原酶消化、密度离心、贴壁筛选法分离培养胎盘源间充质干细胞,并对其表面抗原进行鉴定。在体外培养体系中加入胎肝滤液,模拟体内肝脏微环境,诱导PDMSCs向肝细胞定向分化,以免疫细胞化学检测干细胞标志物;PAS检测糖原表达。结果在体外培养条件下,PDMSCs贴壁生长为成纤维样细胞,CD44表面标志物检测阳性;PDMSCs经胎肝滤液诱导14d时细胞呈现圆形、卵圆形的特征性改变,AFP、CK19表达阳性。结论胎肝滤液能够诱导PDMSCs定向分化为肝细胞样细胞。     

ES细胞体外定向分化为成熟肝细胞的实验研究

探讨了肝细胞在胚胎干细胞（ES cell）体外诱导分化系统中成熟分化的条件、机制及其鉴定方法.利用TGF, bFGF、HGF等细胞生长因子进行BALB/c小鼠ES细胞向肝细胞方向的定向诱导.利用反转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）、免疫细胞化学（ICC）和放射免疫法（RIA）动态检测肝细胞特异性基因和蛋白AFP,ALB,G6P,TAT,CK8, CK18等在培养体系中的表达,并测定肝细胞的尿素合成功能,最后测定肝细胞分化率.结果,肝细胞特异基因AFP, ALB,G6P和TAT最早分别于第3、9、11、13天表达,肝细胞特异蛋白AFP,CK8,CK18和ALB最早分别于第7、9、9和11天开始表达.第12天开始检测到尿素出现,浓度为8.3 μmol/L,并随培养时间延长而浓度逐渐增加.最后,测得生长因子诱导组肝细胞的分化率为32％,对照组肝细胞分化率为8%.说明肝细胞可以在ES细胞体外诱导分化系统中出现并成熟分化,bFGF、HGF、OSM等可以明显提高细胞分化率和成熟度,有望成为解决肝功能替代疗法中细胞来源问题的新希望.     

人胚肝去组蛋白染色质抗原、甲胎蛋白及白蛋白在人肝癌和癌周组织中的定位关系

人胚肝去组蛋白染色质抗原(DHCAg)具有癌胚特异性,本文用免疫酶标法在肝癌连续切片上比较了DHCAg、甲胎蛋白(AFP)和白蛋白(ALB)彼此间的定位分布,得到的初步结果如下:1.在肝癌标本中DHCAg 和AFP 无论在肝癌细胞、癌周细胞或幸存肝细胞中的分布有某种关系。提示DHCAg 和AFP 基因表达之间可能存在着某种联系。2.在DHCAg 阳性的幸存肝细胞和癌周细胞中AFP 和ALB 通常同时表达,表明这二种细胞很可能是癌前期细胞。3.在DHCAg 阳性的肝癌细胞中AFP 阳性情况下ALB 的合成明显下降,这就提示DHCAg 和癌变后的某些特征相关。     

人胚肝去组蛋白染色质抗原、甲胎蛋白及白蛋白在人肝癌和癌周组织中的定位关系

人胚肝去组蛋白染色质抗原(DHCAg)具有癌胚特异性,本文用免疫酶标法在肝癌连续切片上比较了DHCAg、甲胎蛋白(AFP)和白蛋白(ALB)彼此间的定位分布,得到的初步结果如下: 1.在肝癌标本中DHCAg和AFP无论在肝癌细胞、癌周细胞或幸存肝细胞中的分布有某种关系。提示DHCAg和AFP基因表达之间可能存在着某种联系。2.在DHCAg阳性的幸存肝细胞和癌周细胞中AFP和ALB通常同时表达,表明这二种细胞很可能是癌前期细胞。3.在DHCAg阳性的肝癌细胞中AFP阳性情况下ALB的合成明显下降,这就提示DHCAg和癌变后的某些特征相关。     

一种同时分离培养大鼠肝细胞及肝枯否细胞技术的建立

目的:建立简便、经济的同步分离培养肝细胞及kupffer细胞的方法.方法:采用肝脏原位灌洗结合离体胶原酶灌注消化的方法获得总细胞悬液,差速离心分离肝细胞及肝非实质细胞,经多次低速离心可分离肝细胞,经percoll密度梯度离心以及选择性贴壁法得到纯化的kupffer细胞.台盼蓝染色鉴定细胞活力.使用倒置相差显微镜、HE染色、PAS染色及白蛋白免疫组织化学染色对培养肝细胞的形态及功能进行检测.使用光学显微镜、荧光显微镜及CD68免疫荧光染色鉴定分离的kupffer细胞.结果:体外成功的同步分离培养了肝细胞及kupffer细胞,肝细胞产率为1.37± 0.53× 108/大鼠,kupffer得率为3.45± 0.41×106/g肝脏.细胞存活率及纯度都可达90％.肝细胞培养24h后呈典型肝细胞形态,7天后仍具有糖原合成和白蛋白合成能力.贴壁后的kupffer细胞呈典型的星型或三角形,且其标志分子CD68免疫荧光染色阳性.结论:应用改良的原位灌注方法可以很好的同时分离具有活性及功能的肝细胞和kupffer细胞.     

LO-2细胞上清诱导人脐血干细胞向类肝细胞分化

目的：探讨体外培养人脐血单个核细胞向类肝细胞的分化。方法：收集Lo-2细胞培养上清液加入培养基培养分离出的脐血单个核细胞,连续lOd检测甲胎蛋白（AFP）的表达情况,细胞传代后无诱导剂（LO-2细胞培养上清液）情况下检测白蛋白（ALB）表达情况。结果：培养6d后心P出现阳性结果,细胞传代后在无诱导剂的情况下AI卫检测阳性。结论：在L0-2细胞上清的诱导下,脐血单个核细胞能够分化为类肝细胞。     

Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into hepatocytes in 2D and 3D culture systems in vitro

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have enormous potential as a source of cells for cell replacement therapies and as a model for early human development. In this study we examined the differentiating potential of hESCs into hepatocytes in two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) culture systems. Embryoid bodies (EBs) were inserted into a collagen scaffold 3D culture system or cultured on collagen-coated dishes and stimulated with exogenous growth factors to induce hepatic histogenesis. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed the expression of albumin (ALB) and cytokeratin-18 (CK-18). The differentiated cells in 2D and 3D culture system displayed several characteristics of hepatocytes, including expression of transthyretin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, cytokeratin 8, 18, 19, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase, tyrosine aminotransferase, glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), cytochrome P450 subunits 7a1 and secretion of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and ALB and production of urea. In 3D culture, ALB and G6P were detected earlier and higher levels of urea and AFP were produced, when compared with 2D culture. Electron microscopy of differentiated hESCs showed hepatocyte-like ultrastructure, including glycogon granules, well-developed Golgi apparatuses, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticuli and intercellular canaliculi. The differentiation of hESCs into hepatocyte-like cells within 3D collagen scaffolds containing exogenous growth factors, gives rise to cells displaying morphological features, gene expression patterns and metabolic activities characteristic of hepatocytes and may provide a source of differentiated cells for treatment of liver diseases.     

In vitro differentiation and maturation of mouse embryonic stem cells into hepatocytes

It is difficult to induce the maturation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into hepatocytes in vitro. We previously reported that Thy1-positive mesenchymal cells derived from the mouse fetal liver promote the maturation of hepatic progenitor cells. Here, we isolated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing cells from mouse ES cells for subsequent differentiation into hepatocytes in vitro by coculture with Thy1-positive cells. ES cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of an AFP promoter were cultured under serum- and feeder layer-free culture conditions. The proportion of GFP-positive cells plateaued at 41.6 +/- 12.2% (means +/- SD) by day 7. GFP-positive cells, isolated by flow cytometry, were cultured in the presence or absence of Thy1-positive cells as a feeder layer. Isolated GFP-positive cells were stained for AFP, Foxa2, and albumin. The expression of mRNAs encoding tyrosine amino transferase, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, and glucose-6-phosphatase were only detected following coculture with Thy1-positive cells. Following coculture with Thy1-positive cells, the isolated cells produced and stored glycogen. Ammonia clearance activity was also enhanced following coculture. Electron microscopic analysis indicated that the cocultured cells exhibited the morphologic features of mature hepatocytes. In conclusion, coculture with Thy1-positive cells in vitro induced the maturation of AFP-producing cells isolated from ES cell cultures into hepatocytes.     

Human decidua-derived mesenchymal stromal cells differentiate into hepatic-like cells and form functional three-dimensional structures

Background aimsPreviously, we have shown that human decidua-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (DMSC) are mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) with a clonal differentiation capacity for the three embryonic layers. The endodermal capacity of DMSC was revealed by differentiation into pulmonary cells. In this study, we examined the hepatic differentiation of DMSC.MethodsDMSC were cultured in hepatic differentiation media or co-cultured with murine liver homogenate and analyzed with phenotypic, molecular and functional tests.Results and ConclusionsDMSC in hepatic differentiation media changed their fibroblast morphology to a hepatocyte-like morphology and later formed a 3-dimensional (3-D) structure or hepatosphere. Moreover, the hepatocyte-like cells and the hepatospheres expressed liver-specific markers such as synthesis of albumin (ALB), hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), α-fetoprotein (AFP) and cytokeratin-18 (CK-18), and exhibited hepatic functions including glycogen storage capacity and indocyanine green (ICG) uptake/secretion. Human DMSC co-cultured with murine liver tissue homogenate in a non-contact in vitro system showed hepatic differentiation, as evidenced by expression of AFP and ALB genes. The switch in the expression of these two genes resembled liver development. Indeed, the decrease in AFP and increase in ALB expression throughout the co-culture were consistent with the expression pattern observed during normal liver organogenesis in the embryo. Interestingly, AFP and ALB expression was significantly higher when DMSC were co-cultured with injured liver tissue, indicating that DMSC respond differently under normal and pathologic micro-environmental conditions. In conclusion, DMSC-derived hepatospheres and DMSC co-cultured with liver homogenate could be suitable in vitro models for toxicologic, developmental and pre-clinical hepatic regeneration studies.     

Co-culture system of hepatocytes and endothelial cells: two in vitro approaches for enhancing liver-specific functions of hepatocytes

Although hepatocyte transplantation and bioartificial liver support system provide new promising opportunities for those patients waiting for liver transplantation, hepatocytes are easily losing liver-specific functions by using the common in vitro cultured methods. The co-culture strategies with mimicking the in vivo microenvironment would facilitate the maintenance of liver-specific functions of hepatocytes. Considering that hepatocytes and endothelial cells (ECs) account for 80–90% of total cell populations in the liver, hepatocytes and ECs were directly co-cultured with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) or adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) at a ratio of 700:150:3 or 14:3:3 in the present study, and the liver-specific functions were carefully analyzed. Our results showed that the two co-culture systems presented the enhanced liver-specific functions through promoting secretion of urea and ALB and increasing the expressions of ALB, CYP3A4 and HNF4α, and the vessel-like structure in the co-culture system consisted of hepatocytes, ECs and ADSCs. Hence, our results suggested that the directly co-culture of hepatocytes and ECs with HSCs or ADSCs could significantly improve liver-specific functions of hepatocytes, and the co-culture system could further promote angiogenesis of ECs at a later stage. Therefore, this study provides potential interesting in vitro strategies for enhancing liver-specific functions of hepatocytes.     

25 years of the study of alpha-fetoprotein

alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) is an embryonic serum protein. Only traces of AFP are present in blood of adult man or animal, but its level substantially increases during liver regeneration and in cases of primary liver carcinoma or embryonic carcinomas. Different aspects of AFP studies (localization of its synthesis, structure and functions, genetic control of its synthesis and its use for cancer diagnostics) are reviewed. The main consideration is given to the cellular mechanisms of regulation of AFP synthesis. Hypothesis of "structural repression of AFP" is substantiated. According to it formation of liver trabeculae leads to suppression of AFP synthesis in hepatocytes, whereas escape of hepatocyte from trabecula results in activation of AFP synthesis. A new experimental model is described: AFP synthesis is activated in primary hepatocyte culture and is suppressed during three-dimensional growth of hepatocytes in collagen gel or mixed culture with nonparenchymal liver cells.     

Expression patterns of mRNAs for α-fetoprotein and albumin in the developing rat: the ontogenesis of hepatocyte heterogeneity

Summary In developing and normal adult rat liver the expression patterns of the mRNAs for -fetoprotein (AFP) and albumin (ALB) were analysed byin situ hybridization using specific³⁵S-labelled complementary DNA probes. In the developing liver AFP and ALB mRNA are found from embryonic day (ED) 11 and 12, respectively, onward. At ED 20 the first signs of a zonal distribution of these mRNAs across the liver lobule can be observed, AFP mRNA concentration being higher in the pericentral area and ALB mRNA concentration higher in the periportal area. This distribution pattern of reciprocal, overlapping gradients of mRNA can be clearly recognized in the neonatal period. In the adult liver AFP mRNA can no longer be detected and similar to the neonatal situation, ALB mRNA is expressed across the entire porto-central distance decreasing in concentration going from the portal to the central area.Transient extra-hepatic expression of AFP mRNA is found in the embryonic heart and in the epithelial lining of intestine and lung furthermore, AFP and ALB mRNA are found to be transiently expressed in the developing renal tubules. Similar expression patterns have been observed for other liver-characteristic mRNAs (Moormanet al., 1990), suggesting that common regulatory factors are operative during development.     

Primary rat hepatocyte culture on 3D nanofibrous polymer scaffolds for toxicology and pharmaceutical research

Primary rat hepatocytes are a widely used experimental model to estimate drug metabolism and toxicity. In currently used two‐dimensional (2D) cell culture systems, typical problems like morphological changes and the loss of liver cell‐specific functions occur. We hypothesize that the use of polymer scaffolds could overcome these problems and support the establishment of three‐dimensional (3D) culture systems in pharmaceutical research. Isolated primary rat hepatocytes were cultured on collagen‐coated nanofibrous scaffolds for 7 days. Cell loading efficiency was quantified via DNA content measurement. Cell viability and presence of liver‐cell‐specific functions (albumin secretion, glycogen storage capacity) were evaluated. The activity of liver‐specific factors was analyzed by immunofluorescent staining. RNA was isolated to establish quantitative real‐time PCR. Our results indicate that primary rat hepatocytes cultured on nanofibrous scaffolds revealed high viability and well‐preserved glycogen storage. Albumin secretion was existent during the entire culture period. Hepatocytes remain HNF‐4 positive, indicating highly preserved cell differentiation. Aggregated hepatocytes re‐established positive signaling for Connexin 32, a marker for differentiated hepatocyte interaction. ZO‐1‐positive hepatocytes were detected indicating formation of tight junctions. Expression of cytochrome isoenzymes was inducible. Altogether the data suggest that nanofibrous scaffolds provide a good in vitro microenvironment for neo tissue regeneration of primary rat hepatocytes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:141–150. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.