Differentiation of embryonic stem cells into endoderm-derived hepatocytes

Abstract

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are defi ned as unspecialized cells that are self-renewing pluripotent cells and have the capability to differentiate into wide variety of cell types. This potentiality represents a promising source to overcome many human diseases by providing an unlimited supply of all cell types, including cells with hepatic characteristics. Although, many efforts are currently underway to induce endoderm-derived hepatocytes from embryonic stem cells, the preparation of specifi c lineages at high purity remains in challenge. Thus, a major goal is to develop new culture based approaches, using advanced biomaterials, to differentiate the pluripotent cells into homogeneous population of hepatocytes, and to monitor liver developmental pathways in a precise and near-physiological fashion. Bridging of cell biological and biomaterials technologies promises to develop a variety of new applications that will advance stem-cell based approaches into regenerative medicine.