In vitro differentiation of human umbilical vein mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells

Background and ObjectivesUmbilical vein mesenchymal stem cells (UVMSC) which are multipotent precursors have been recently isolated. They are capable of differentiating into various cell types including neural and cardiac cells. In this study, the differentiation ability of human UVMSC into hepatocyte cells has investigated with concentration on hepatic genes expression profile. Materials and MethodsThe UVMSC were isolated and cultured in differentiation medium containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and oncostatin M (OSM) using two step protocol. Differentiation of UVMSCs into cells expressing liver-specific genes was investigated by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry.ResultsThe cells showed the remarkable transition from bipolar fibroblast-like morphology to epithelial and polygonal shapes. The temporal gene expression pattern of hepatocyte-specific genes such as CK8, CK18, HNF3β, c-Met, AFP, TTR, G6P, Transthyretin, and ALB were detected during differentiation. The immunoflourescent analysis also showed that the differentiated cells were stained positively for CK-18 protein. ConclusionsFindings indicate that UVMSC has a potential for differentiation into the hepatic like cells.