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Updated: May 28, 2026
In Vitro Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Functional Cardiomyocyte-like Cells
Published on: August 9, 2017
In vitro differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes
Zhihui Feng1, Changying Li, Shuxian Jiao
1Qingdao Blood Center, Qingdao, China.
Background/Aims:
To investigate the mechanism and regulation of differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into hepatocytes and to find a new source for therapies of hepatic diseases.
Methodology:
We isolated BMSCs for subsequent differentiation in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) or beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF). Cell morphology was observed and cell surface phenotypings were detected by flow cytometry. a1-antitrypsin (AAT) expression of the hepatocytes was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and albumin expression was validated by real time PCR and western blotting. The expression of high-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (TrkA) and the activation of Erk pathway were detected by western blotting. Hepatocyte functional activity was confirmed by uptake of indocyanine green (ICG) assay.
Results:
Small round cells appeared in the presence of HGF on day 10 or beta-NGF on day 12. Differentiated cells expressed albumin and had functional characteristics of hepatocytes, such as uptake of ICG. BMSCs were positive for TrkA. HGF and beta-NGF significantly upregulated the protein levels of phospho-Erk.
Conclusions:
BMSCs could differentiate into hepatocytes in the differentiation media including HGF or beta-NGF. Combination of HGF and beta-NGF significantly increased the efficiency of hepatic differentiation.
