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Overview of recent experimental studies on liver stem cells
Snorri S Thorgeirsson1, Joe W Grisham
1Laboratory of Experimental Carcinogenesis National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. snorri_thorgeirsson@nih.gov
Seminars in Liver Disease
|January 15, 2004
Summary
New research confirms liver stem cells exist and can regenerate liver cells, especially in damaged livers. The major liver stem cell is an epithelial cell residing within the liver, and cell culture aids in studying its function.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and stem cell biology.
- Regenerative medicine and liver disease research.
Background:
- Extensive new data have emerged since the 1997 review on liver epithelial stem cells.
- Recent studies investigate the differentiation of candidate liver stem cells in vivo and in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize recent experimental evidence regarding liver epithelial stem cells.
- To address controversies surrounding the origin and analysis of liver stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of in vivo transplantation studies of candidate liver stem cells.
- Evaluation of in vitro cell culture experiments under defined conditions.
- Review of recent scientific literature and experimental data.
Main Results:
- New studies substantiate the existence of stem cells generating hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, particularly in severely damaged livers.
- Controversies persist regarding whether the major stem cell is an endodermal epithelial cell or a mesodermal bone marrow cell.
- Cell culture appropriateness for analyzing liver epithelial cells remains a debated topic.
Conclusions:
- The major liver stem cell is an epithelial cell that resides within the liver.
- Cell culture is a valuable and necessary tool for analyzing liver stem cell properties and molecular mechanisms.
- Recent data support the role of resident liver stem cells in liver regeneration.