In Vitro Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Hepatocyte‐Like Cells Identified by Cellular Uptake of Indocyanine Green

作者：Takatsugu Yamada, Masahide Yoshikawa, Seiji Kanda, Yōkō Kato, Yoshiyuki Nakajima, Shigeaki Ishizaka, Yukio Tsunoda · 发表于：Stem Cells · 年份：2002 · DOI：10.1634/stemcells.20-2-146 · 被引用次数：289 · 研究领域：Pluripotent Stem Cells Research、Liver physiology and pathology、Reproductive Biology and Fertility

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Embryonic stem (ES) cells have a pluripotent ability to differentiate into a variety of cell lineages in vitro. We have recently found the emergence of cell clusters that show the cellular uptake of indocyanine green (ICG) in the culture of differentiated ES cells. ICG is clinically used as a test substance to evaluate liver function because it is eliminated exclusively by hepatocytes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatic characteristics of ICG-stained cells. METHODS: Embryoid bodies (EBs), formed by a 5-day hanging drop culture of ES cells, were allowed to outgrow in the placed culture. Gene expression of hepatocyte markers was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and albumin production was examined immunohistochemically. Morphology and cellular components were investigated by electron microscopy. ICG-stained cells were further transplanted into the portal vein of mice. RESULTS: ICG-stained cells appeared around 14 days of the EB culture and formed distinct three-dimensional structures. They were immunoreactive to albumin and expressed mRNAs such as albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, transthyretin, hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 beta, alpha-1-antitrypsin, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase, urea cycle enzyme, gluconeogenic enzyme, and liver-specific organic anion transporter-1. An ultrastructural analysis revealed a well-developed system of organelles such as mitochondria, lysosomes, Golgi apparatus, and rough and smooth endo...