Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

07:09
Hepatic Progenitor Specification from Pluripotent Stem Cells using a Defined Differentiation System
Published on: May 10, 2020
Regenerative cells for transplantation in hepatic failure
Tetsuya Ishikawa1, Agnieszka Banas, Takumi Teratani
1Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Cell Transplantation
|July 17, 2012
Summary
Human stem cells show promise for regenerative medicine but face challenges like tumor formation and immunogenicity. Adult regenerative cells offer a safer alternative for tissue repair, particularly in hepatic failure treatment.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Hepatology
Background:
- Human embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells possess significant therapeutic potential.
- Clinical applications of ES and iPS cells are hindered by teratoma formation, tumorigenesis, quality control, and safety concerns.
- Human ES cells present additional challenges including immunogenicity and ethical considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the limitations of human ES and iPS cells for clinical applications.
- To highlight the potential of adult regenerative cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, for tissue regeneration.
- To focus on the application of regenerative cells in treating hepatic failure.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on stem cell therapy.
- Analysis of challenges associated with pluripotent stem cells.
- Evaluation of adult regenerative cells for transplantation.
Main Results:
- Pluripotent stem cells face significant hurdles for safe clinical use.
- Adult regenerative cells have a more limited differentiation capacity but are promising for regenerative therapies.
- Mesenchymal stem cells are identified as viable candidates for hepatic regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Regenerative cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells, offer a promising avenue for treating hepatic failure.
- Overcoming limitations of pluripotent stem cells is crucial for their broader clinical adoption.
- Further research into regenerative cell transplantation is warranted for liver disease.
Related Concept Videos
Liver Regeneration
The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are large...
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are large...
Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
After cellular or tissue damage, the resident stem cells present in the human body can locally repair and regenerate the damaged tissue or organ. However, even though some tissues do not have stem cells, they can repair and regenerate with the help of pre-existing cells. For example, beta cells of the pancreas and hepatocytes of the liver can divide to renew and regenerate the tissue. Here, both cell division and cell death are well regulated by homeostasis.
However, failure of such a system...
However, failure of such a system...
Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...
iPS Cell Differentiation
The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.

