Generation of Hepatocyte-Like Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Abstract

The parenchymal cell of the liver is the hepatocyte. It is responsible for many of the functions associated with the liver including the secretion of serum proteins, regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, control of cholesterol and lipid flux, and oxidation of xenobiotics and pharmaceuticals. Significant advances have been made toward controlling the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells with several publications describing the generation of cells that exhibit hepatocyte characteristics. These induced hepatocyte-like cells are useful for studying the molecular basis of cell differentiation and mechanisms of liver disease. In addition, because pluripotent stem cells can self-renew indefinitely, such cells could potentially provide a limitless supply of exogenous human hepatocytes for drug toxicity studies and for cell transplant therapy. Despite tremendous progress, the differentiation of pluripotent cells toward a hepatic fate yields cells that are similar yet not identical to primary hepatocytes. Here we discuss recent progress as well as the limitations associated with hepatocytes produced from human pluripotent stem cells.