Human Skin-Derived Precursor Cells: Isolation, Expansion, and Hepatic Differentiation
Joery De Kock1, Robim M Rodrigues, Karolien Buyl
1Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium, jdekock@vub.ac.be.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|August 15, 2015
Summary
Human skin-derived precursor cells offer a promising stem cell source for developing in vitro models. These cells can be differentiated into hepatic cells for identifying and quantifying drug-induced liver injury.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Human skin-derived precursor cells (hSPCs) are multipotent adult stem cells found in the dermis.
- hSPCs are easily isolatable, expandable, and can differentiate into various cell types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a robust methodology for isolating, expanding, and differentiating hSPCs into hepatic cells.
- To establish human-relevant in vitro models for hepatotoxicity testing.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of hSPCs from human skin biopsies.
- Expansion of hSPCs in culture.
- Sequential, time-dependent differentiation of hSPCs into hepatic cells.
Main Results:
- Established a reproducible method for hSPC isolation and expansion.
- Successfully differentiated hSPCs into functional hepatic cells.
- Demonstrated the potential of these cells for toxicological applications.
Conclusions:
- hSPCs represent a valuable and accessible cell source for generating hepatic cells.
- The provided methodology enables the development of human-relevant in vitro models for hepatotoxicity assessment.
- This approach aids in the identification and quantification of hepatotoxic compounds.
