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Characterization of rat liver bud-derived cells
Dara Rúbia Souza Silva1, Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira2, Amanda Olivotti Ferreira1
1Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Prof. Dr Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 87, University City, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil.
Insights
Fetal liver progenitor stem cells from early gestational days (12.5-14.5) exhibit ideal characteristics for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These cells show promising progenitor cell profiles and hematopoietic function in culture.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Fetal liver cells are a valuable source of progenitor stem cells.
- These cells hold potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate progenitor stem cell characteristics of embryo and fetal liver-bud derived cells from Fischer 344 rats at different gestational days (E12.5, E14.5, E16.5).
- To assess cell phenotype, survival, proliferation, and functional markers.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and culture of liver-bud derived cells at E12.5, E14.5, and E16.5.
- Analysis of liver transaminases (AST, ALT), AFP levels, stem cell markers, cell cycle progression, cell death markers, and mitochondrial electric potential.
- Flow cytometry analysis for cell cycle phases (G0/G1, S, G2/M).
Main Results:
- E12.5 embryo liver-bud derived cells showed lower AST, ALT, and AFP levels.
- Differential expression of stem cell, cell cycle, and cell death markers was observed in E12.5 cultures.
- Cells from later gestational days (E14.5, E16.5) exhibited a tendency towards lower metabolic and functional activity compared to E12.5 cells.
- The majority of E16.5 cells were in the G0/G1 phase, while synthesis (S) and division (G2/M) capacities remained constant across gestational periods.
Conclusions:
- Embryo and fetal liver-bud derived cells from gestational days 12.5 and 14.5 display a progenitor cell expression profile.
- These early-stage cells demonstrate significant cell activity and hematopoietic function in culture, supporting their potential in regenerative medicine.
Abstract:
Cells derived from the fetal liver have been shown to be a rich source of progenitor stem cells, constituting a promising source for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. In this study, embryo and fetal liver-bud derived cells from Fischer 344 rats were obtained at E12.5, E14.5 and E16.5 gestational days and evaluated for cell phenotype, survival and proliferation. Liver transaminase (AST and ALT) and AFP levels were lower in embryo liver-bud-derived cells on day 12.5. Markers for stem cells, cell cycle progression and cell death were differentially expressed in E12.5 cell cultures. Analysis of mitochondrial electric potential on 14.5 and 16.5 days showed a tendency for cells with lower functional or metabolic ability, in comparison to cultures derived from day 12.5. The results demonstrated that the majority of the E16.5 cells were in the G0 / G1 phase. The capacity of synthesis (S) and cellular division (G2 / M) of embryo and fetal liver bud-derived cells was constant over all gestational periods. In conclusion, embryo and fetal liver-bud-derived cells during the periods of 12.5 and 14.5 days, showed expression profile of progenitor cells, cell activity and hematopoietic function in culture.
