Induction of mESCs into Hepatic Stem Cells by using Embryonic Chicken Hearts

Many researchers have been trying different methods for obtaining stem cells. Some studies have failed due to the growth of a tumor after stem cells transplantation. Several successful tries for getting stem cells or stem cell like cells: direct isolation from tissue, direct isolation from blood or fluids, iPS cells, small molecules induced stem cells. However, none have used real organ stimulation in the induction of a specific stem cell lineage.

To induce a lineage specific hepatic stem cell using isolated embryonic organs.

The embryonic stem cells were cultured through confluence. After observing several colonies formations, we put freshly isolated chicken embryonic hearts onto the colonies. After, at least, four days, we started looking for hepatic plate-like formations.

After several trials, we found that the chicken embryonic hearts, on day 4, could actually induce a hepatic cell fate for the mouse embryonic stem cells. We were able to show specific marker for early hepatic lineage such as the production of Albumin, AFP. When these cells were tested for a hepatocyte function, we found glycogen formation inside the cells.

Isolated early embryonic chicken hearts are acceptable for inducing embryonic stem cells into the hepatic stem cell lineage.