Isolation of human placenta-derived multipotent cells and in vitro differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells

Several types of progenitor cells can be isolated from various human adult tissues such as bone marrow, adipose tissues, and umbilical cord. Placental tissue collected after labor and delivery can provide a valuable source for adult stem cells. These progenitor cells, termed placenta-derived multipotent cells (PDMCs), are fibroblast-like cells which can attach on the bottom of culture vessels. PDMCs are capable of differentiating into various cells such as adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and neurons. Recently, we showed that PDMCs also possess the ability to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells. This unit describes the protocols for isolation of PDMCs from human term placental tissue and for setting up in vitro differentiation of PDMCs toward hepatocyte-like cells. These cells not only express the characteristics of human liver cells, but also demonstrate several functions of typical hepatocytes.