Hepatic Lineage Cells Research Articles

Lanford medium induces high quality hepatic lineage cell differentiation directly from mouse embryonic stem cell-derived mesendoderm

To establish an effective induction method for hepatic differentiation using serum-free media, the effects of activin in serum-containing and serum-free conditions on embryoid body (EB) induction into mesendoderm were investigated by Western blot analysis and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a first step. The expression of P-smad2 and mesendodermal markers was markedly enhanced by 100 ng/ml activin under serum-free conditions but were inhibited or masked under serum-containing conditions. Next, serum-free Lanford medium was used to attempt the direct induction of activin-treated EBs expressing mesendodermal markers into hepatic lineage cells and this induction was compared to that induced using Iscove’s Modified Dulbecco’s medium containing 20% fetal bovine serum. Once immersed in the Lanford medium, EBs began to show typical hepatic features by day 17, including Alb, AFP, TTR, and AAT expression detected by RT-PCR, and ALB, AFP, and CK18 expression detected by immunostaining. On day 22, these cells were of high quality characterized by the expression of metabolizing enzymes, including Ugt1a1, Slcola4, cyp3a11, cyp2b10, and cyp7a1 detected by real-time PCR, a 50-fold greater cyp3A11 response than control to 100 μM dexamethasone stimulation, specific cellular uptake of indocyanine green, and glycogen storage in the cytoplasm. These results indicate that this simple two-step induction method under serum-free conditions induces hepatic lineage cells with high quality directly from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived mesendoderm.

Transplantation of basic fibroblast growth factor-pretreated adipose tissue-derived stromal cells enhances regression of liver fibrosis in mice

Adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSC) potentially differentiate into various cell types similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC). Unlike BMSC, ADSC can be harvested easily and repeatedly. However, the advantages of ADSC for cell transplantation in liver disease remain unclear. To investigate this, we developed a novel culture system for ADSC, as well as effective methods for transplantation of ADSC into mice liver. ADSC were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissues of male C57BL6/J mice and cultured on plastic dishes with or without basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). In the in vivo study, ADSC isolated from green fluorescent protein-transgenic mice were transplanted into carbon tetrachloride-injured C57BL6/J mice liver. bFGF-treated ADSC expressed several liver-specific marker genes and demonstrated liver-related functions such as albumin secretion, glycogen synthesis, urea production, and low-density lipoprotein uptake. Importantly, pretreatment of ADSC with bFGF for 1 wk enhanced the repopulation rate of ADSC in mice liver, attenuated liver fibrosis, and restored normal serum alanine aminotransferase and albumin levels. The results indicate that basic FGF facilitates transdifferentiation of ADSC into hepatic lineage cells in vitro and that transplantation of bFGF-pretreated ADSC reduced hepatic fibrosis in mice. ADSC are a potentially valuable source of cells for transplantation therapy.

Hepatic differentiation of cord blood‐derived multipotent progenitor cells (MPCs) in vitro

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells that possesses practical and ethical advantages. We previously reported a novel UCB-derived adult stem cells which we termed umbilical cord blood-derived multipotent progenitor cells' (MPCs). MPCs were capable of differentiating into functional neuronal cells. Under appropriate conditions lasting several days or weeks, we now show that the MPCs differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro; their properties were verified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining of accumulated glycogen and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also found that hepatic differentiated cells expressed hepatocyte specific markers, such as albumin, hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha, HNF4, cytokeratin (CK)-8, CK-18, tyrosine amino transferase (TAT), and CYP2B6. Moreover, albumin was secreted, which suggests that MPCs from UCB possess multi-differentiation potential and have the capacity to differentiate into functional cells of hepatic lineage in vitro.

Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells along a hepatocyte lineage and its application in liver regeneration

Hepatocyte transplantation and bioartificial liver (BAL) as alternatives to liver transplantation offer the possibility of effective treatment for many inherited and acquired hepatic disorders. Unfortunately, the limited availability of donated livers and the variability of their derived hepatocytes make it difficult to obtain enough viable human hepatocytes for the hepatocyte-based therapies. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which could be isolated directly from the blastocyst inner cell mass, have permanent self-renewal capability and developmental pluripotency and therefore might be an ideal cell source in the treatment of hepatic discords. However, differentiation of hESCs into hepatocytes with significant numbers remains a challenge. This review updates our current understanding of differentiation of ESCs into hepatic lineage cells, their future therapeutic uses and problems in liver regeneration.

Improving albumin production of hepatic lineage cells from mouse embryonic stem cells in vitro

Embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into hepatic lineage cells in vitro and can potentially be used as source of hepatocytes in research and therapy. A good source of ES cell-derived hepatocytes with greater liver function may be needed when attempting to transplant hepatocytes or use bioartificial livers to treat liver disease. This in vitro study explores the use of mouse ES cells to derive hepatic lineage cells able to produce greater levels albumin. To do this we designed a series of experimental studies and developed a refined culture method which involved adjusting the composition of culture medium and the time that it would be used. The embryoid bodies (EBs) cultured by this method produced hepatic lineage cells capable of producing high amounts of albumin (1.90 ± 0.198 pg/h cell). These cells, which were able to uptake indocyanine green (ICG), expressed the hepatic genes α1-anti-trypsin (AAT), α-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin, carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1), cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2), and transthyretin (TTR). In conclusion, we found that this method allowed us to effectively derive high albumin-producing ES cell-derived hepatic lineage cells for experimental and clinical use.

β-Galactoside α2,6-Sialyltransferase I Cleavage by BACE1 Enhances the Sialylation of Soluble Glycoproteins

BACE1 (beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme-1) is a membrane-bound aspartic protease that cleaves amyloid precursor protein to produce a neurotoxic peptide, amyloid beta-peptide, and has been implicated in triggering the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. We showed previously that BACE1 cleaves beta-galactoside alpha2,6-sialyltransferase I (ST6Gal I) to initiate its secretion, but it remained unclear how BACE1 affects the cellular level of alpha2,6-sialylation. Here, we found that BACE1 overexpression in Hep3B cells increased the sialylation of soluble secreted glycoproteins, but did not affect cell-surface sialylation. The sialylation of soluble glycoproteins was not increased by ST6Gal I overexpression alone, but was increased by co-overexpression of ST6Gal I and BACE1 or by expression of the soluble form of ST6Gal I, suggesting that soluble ST6Gal I produced by BACE1 plays, at least in part, a role in the sialylation of soluble glycoproteins. We also found that plasma glycoproteins from BACE1-deficient mice exhibited reduced levels of alpha2,6-sialylation compared with those from wild-type mice. We propose a novel regulatory mechanism in which cleavage and secretion of ST6Gal I enhance the sialylation of soluble glycoprotein substrates.

Rebuilding the liver with adult hepatic and embryonic stem cells

An efficient system for differentiation, expansion and isolation of hepatic progenitor cells from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro has been established. Using mouse ES cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene regulated by albumin (ALB) enhancer/promoter, we show that serum-free, chemically defined medium supports formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) and differentiation of hepatic lineage cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors or feeder cell layers. The GFP + cells acquired hepatocyte-like morphology and hepatocyte-specific markers (i.e. ALB, AAT, TO and G6P) and by 28 days represented more than 30% of cells isolated from EB outgrowths. The GFP + cells developed into functional hepatocytes without cell fusion and participated in repairing of diseased liver when transplanted into MUP-uPA/SCID mice. In conclusion, a highly enriched population of committed hepatocyte precursors can be generated from ES cells in vitro for effective cell replacement therapy.

Isolation of Amniotic Stem Cell Lines With Potential for Therapy

Amniotic fluid contains multiple cell types derived from the developing fetus, including some that can give rise to differentiated adipose, muscle, bone, and neuronal cell lines. The present investigators have identified lines of broadly multipotent amniotic fluid-derived stem (AFS) cells that can give rise to a wide range of lineages including those in all embryonic germ layers, thereby meeting the criterion for pluripotent stem cells. Immunoselection with magnetic microspheres was used to isolate, from cultures of human amniocentesis specimens taken for prenatal genetic diagnosis, cells bearing the surface antigen c-Kit, the receptor for stem cell factor. Flow cytometry served to assess markers expressed by human AFS cells. AFS cells from 19 amniocentesis donors were able to differentiate along adipogenic, osteogenic, myogenic, endothelial, neurogenic, and hepatic pathways. Induced differentiation along multiple pathways was documented by the expression of mRNAs for lineage-specific genes. Multilineage differentiation was characteristic of AFS cells that were cloned by limiting dilution. Studies based on marking with a retroviral vector confirmed that cloned AFS cells and their differentiated derivatives did in fact descend from a single cell, and that the AFS cells are pluripotent stem cells. Feeders were not necessary for the undifferentiated AFS cells to expand extensively. The cells doubled in 36 hours and were not tumorigenic. Lines maintained for more than 250 population doublings continued to have long telomeres and normal karyotypes. The differentiated cells derived from AFS cells included neuronal lineage cells secreting the neurotransmitter L-glutamate or expressing G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels, hepatic lineage cells producing urea, and osteogenic lineage cells that formed tissue-engineered bone. These studies affirm that stem cells capable of extensive self-renewal can routinely be obtained from human amniotic fluid. AFS cells can serve as precursors to a broad range of differentiated cell types that potentially have therapeutic applications. Banking of cells that would otherwise be discarded could provide a convenient source not only for autologous treatment later in life, but for matching of histocompatible donor cells with prospective recipients.

Production of Mouse Embryoid Bodies with Hepatic Differentiation Potential by Stirred Tank Bioreactor

Embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into functional hepatic lineage cells, which can potentially be used in biomedicine. To obtain hepatic lineage cells from ES cells, embryoid bodies (EBs) must be formed. In this study, we developed an EB formation system using a spinner flask for mass production of EBs. ES cells were inoculated into the spinner flask, where they formed EBs within 4 d. The EBs were then transferred into an attached culture for hepatic differentiation. To verify the hepatic lineage cells, albumin secretion and hepatic-specific gene expression were examined. We found that EBs formed by either the spinner flask or hanging drops exhibited similar albumin secretion potential and hepatic-specific gene expression. We conclude that the spinner flask method can be used to produce mouse EBs that can be used to mass produce hepatic lineage cells for use in biomedicine.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor is the Key Cytokine in Stimulating Potential Stem Cells in the Cord Blood into Hepatic Lineage Cells

This study was designed to investigate the role of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with regards to differentiation of somatic stem cells originating from the human umbilical cord blood (UCB) into hepatic lineage cells in vitro culture system. Methods: Mononuclear cells from UCB were cultured with and without HGF based on the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1, FGF-2, and stem cell factor. The cultured cells were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining analysis with albumin (ALB), cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) MoAb. ALB and CK-18 mRNA were also evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In order to observe changes in proliferating capacity with respect to the cultured period, CFSE with affinity to proliferating cells were tagged and later underwent flow cytometry. Results: In the HGF-treated group, cultured cells had a large oval shaped appearance with adherent, but easily detachable characteristics. In the HGF-non treated group, these cells were spindle-shaped with strong adherent characteristics. Expressions of ALB and CK-19 were evident in HGF-treated group compared to non-expression of those in to HGF-non treated group. Dual immunostaining analysis of the ALB producing cells showed presence of PCNA in their nuclei, and ALB and CK-18 mRNA were detected on the 21st day of cultured cells in the HGF-treated group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HGF has a pivotal role in differentiating somatic stem cells of human UCB into hepatic lineage cells in vitro.

Isolation of amniotic stem cell lines with potential for therapy

Stem cells capable of differentiating to multiple lineages may be valuable for therapy. We report the isolation of human and rodent amniotic fluid-derived stem (AFS) cells that express embryonic and adult stem cell markers. Undifferentiated AFS cells expand extensively without feeders, double in 36 h and are not tumorigenic. Lines maintained for over 250 population doublings retained long telomeres and a normal karyotype. AFS cells are broadly multipotent. Clonal human lines verified by retroviral marking were induced to differentiate into cell types representing each embryonic germ layer, including cells of adipogenic, osteogenic, myogenic, endothelial, neuronal and hepatic lineages. Examples of differentiated cells derived from human AFS cells and displaying specialized functions include neuronal lineage cells secreting the neurotransmitter L-glutamate or expressing G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels, hepatic lineage cells producing urea, and osteogenic lineage cells forming tissue-engineered bone.

Hepatic precursors derived from murine embryonic stem cells contribute to regeneration of injured liver

We established an efficient system for differentiation, expansion and isolation of hepatic progenitor cells from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and evaluated their capacity to repopulate injured liver. Using mouse ES cells transfected with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene regulated by albumin (ALB) enhancer/promoter, we found that a serum-free chemically defined medium supports formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) and differentiation of hepatic lineage cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors or feeder cell layers. The first GFP+ cells expressing ALB were detected in close proximity to "beating" myocytes after 7 days of EB cultures. GFP+ cells increased in number, acquired hepatocyte-like morphology and hepatocyte-specific markers (i.e., ALB, AAT, TO, and G6P), and by 28 days represented more than 30% of cells isolated from EB outgrowths. The FACS-purified GFP+ cells developed into functional hepatocytes without evidence of cell fusion and participated in the repairing of diseased liver when transplanted into MUP-uPA/SCID mice. The ES cell-derived hepatocytes were responsive to normal growth regulation and proliferated at the same rate as the host hepatocytes after an additional growth stimulus from CCl(4)-induced liver injury. The transplanted GFP+ cells also differentiated into biliary epithelial cells. In conclusion, a highly enriched population of committed hepatocyte precursors can be generated from ES cells in vitro for effective cell replacement therapy.

Human mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue: Differentiation into hepatic lineage

Adipose tissue represents an accessible source of mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), with similar characteristics to bone marrow-derived stem cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the transdifferentiation of ADSCs into hepatic lineage cells in vitro. ADSCs were obtained from human adipose tissue from lipectomy. Cells were grown in medium containing 15% AB human serum. Cultures were serum deprived for two days and exposed to a two-step protocol with two different media using growth factors and cytokines. Hepatic differentiation was assessed by RT-PCR of liver-marker genes. ADSCs exhibited a fibroblastic morphology that changed to a cuboidal shape when cells differentiated. Expression of liver genes increased when using one of the two studied media consisting of DMEM supplemented with HGF, bFGF and nicotinamide for 14 days. The results indicate that, under certain specific inducing conditions, ADSCs can be induced to differentiate into hepatic lineage in vitro. Adipose tissue may be an ideal source of high amounts of autologous stem cells.

Late Increase of Peripheral CD34+ Cells Number during Acute Liver Failure Recovery.

Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) of bone marrow origin are reported to transdifferentiate into various cell types, including cells of hepatic lineage, and to be involved in hepatic repopulation. As it has been previously reported in the course of myocardial infarction, we hypothesized that CD34+ cells would appear early in severe acute liver failure and could predict a favourable outcome.Methods: We quantified circulating CD34+ cells in peripheral blood of 146 patients without and with severe hepatic failure (HF) defined by factor V <50%: 20 acute hepatitis with HF, 26 acute alcoholic hepatitis with HF, 22 major right hepatectomy (6/23 developped HF) and 78 controls (31 healthy subjects, 23 cirrhosis, 24 cirrhosis with chronic HF). CD34+ cells were quantified by flow cytometry, according to ISHAGE guidelines in both one and dual platform approaches. Phenotypic and functional analyses were performed in selected cases. In case of acute HF, quantification was done every day until correction of liver function. One patient underwent liver transplantation. The number of circulating CD34+ cells was correlated with factor V level. Results were presented using median and range.Results : At inclusion, the numbers of CD34+ cells /mm3 were similar in different groups (healthy controls = 1.0 [0.1– 4.0]; cirrhosis = 0.9 [0.1–5.1]; cirrhosis with chronic HF = 1.0 [0.1–3.7]; alcoholic hepatitis with HF = 1.2 [0.1–6.0]; liver resection 24H after surgery = 0.8 [0.2–3.2]; acute hepatitis with HF = 0.7 [0.2–3.1]. For patients with acute hepatitis with HF, the number of CD34+ increased over time, from 0.7 [0.2–3.1] to 1.8 [0.5–9.6] at the 4th day after admission and was significantly (p <10–3) correlated with correction of factor V. There was no correlation between the number of CD34+ and the time between admission and onset of the disease. There was no significant increase over time in the hepatectomy group nor in the alcoholic hepatitis group. CD34+ cells detected during acute hepatitis regeneration presented an immature phenotype and coexpressed CD33, CD90, CD133, CD117, CD135 (FLT3-R), CD38, HLA-DR and not V-Cadherin. Clonogenic progenitor cell assays did not reveal specific features and correlation between number of CD34 and BFU-E colonies were in favour of their hematopoietic potentiality.Conclusion: By contrast with data reported in acute myocardial infarction in which early mobilisation of CD34+ cells was observed, we found that the increase of circulating CD34+ HSC is a late event occurring at the time of the recovery of liver function in acute severe hepatic failure. The hematopoietic potentiality of mobilized CD34+ cells suggests that they do not play a major role in liver repopulation in fulminant acute hepatitis.

Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes the trans-differentiation of mouse bone marrow cells into hepatic lineage cells via multiple liver-enriched transcription factors

Evidence that bone marrow cells have trans-differentiating potential to hepatocytes has been described in recent reports. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unclear. To address this issue, we investigated the parameters involved in the trans-differentiation of bone marrow cells into a hepatic lineage. Mouse BM cells were cultured in a collagen gel without or with growth factors including basic fibroblast growth factor. The expression of hepatocyte-specific markers, cholangiocyte-specific marker and liver-enriched transcription factors was identified by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Basic fibroblast growth factor was found to be the most effective for inducing albumin in cultured BM cells. Furthermore, on stimulation of basic fibroblast growth factor, BM cells were found to express other hepatocyte-specific markers and a cholangiocyte-specific marker. This conversion was found to be associated with the induction of transcription factors including hepatocyte nuclear factors and GATA family proteins. We established an in vitro culture system in which mouse bone marrow cells could trans-differentiate to hepatic lineage cells in response to growth factors, without cell fusion. In particular, basic fibroblast growth factor has the ability to induce the trans-differentiation into hepatic lineage cells from BM cells.

Hepatic lineages isolated from developing rat liver show different ways of maturation

Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that different hepatic cell types exist during liver development: (i) cells co-expressing the stem-cell marker Thy1 and the hepatic lineage marker CK-18 and (ii) cells only expressing CK-18 (hepatoblasts). In this study we separated the different hepatic cells and analyzed gene-expression and phenotype. Fetal rat livers were digested by collagenase solution. OX43- and OX44-positive hematopoietic cells were depleted and Thy1-positive cells were enriched using Magnetic cell sorting. The different cell compartments were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry for Thy1, CK-18, AFP, and albumin. Hepatoblasts expressed albumin at all times and AFP in the early stages. Thy1-enriched cells expressed CK-18 at all times, albumin in the early, and AFP in the late stages. Thy1-positive cells from fetal livers express liver specific genes. The data suggest that Thy1-positive hepatic cells develop towards hepatic stem cells, and hepatoblasts develop towards mature hepatocytes of the adult liver.

Proliferation of hepatic lineage cells of normal C57BL and interleukin-6 knockout mice after cocaine-induced periportal injury.

The cellular response to periportal liver injury, induced by phenobarbital feeding and cocaine injection, is used to compare the restitutive proliferation of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and oval cells in the livers of normal control to those of interleukin-6 (IL-6) knockout mice. After this injury hepatocytes in noninjured middle and central zones start to proliferate first, followed by proliferation of cholangiocytes and intraportal oval cells. Proliferation of all cell types peaks at 2 days, but oval cells continue to proliferate and differentiate through days 4 and 6 as they reconstitute the necrotic zone. By day 10, the injured zone is completely repaired, and no dividing cells remain. During the first 3 to 4 days after injury, the number of proliferating hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and sinusoidal cells is lower in IL-6 knockout mice than in normal mice, whereas the number of dividing oval cells is higher. However, overall repair of the injury is accomplished in the same time period in both groups. During repair of the periportal zone, oval cells acquire differentiation markers of hepatocytes as they cross the zone of injury. In conclusion, the phenobarbital/cocaine injury model is useful to study restitutive proliferation of mouse liver cell lineages. The proliferative response in IL-6 knockout mice shows that IL-6 is not required for proliferation of liver cells; timely repair of liver injury occurs in both normal and IL-6 knockout mice. Increased proliferation of oval cells in IL-6 knockout mice may compensate for the lower proliferation of other liver cell types.

Ultrastructural and functional study of the liver pigment cells from Rana esculenta L.

A study of the liver pigment cells of Rana esculenta L. has been performed on both liver in toto and cells in culture. Ultrastructural and cytochemical analyses showed a close relationship between this visceral pigment cell system and the cells of hepatic macrophage lineage. Like the latter, the liver pigment cells present phagocytic activity, in the sinusoids and in vitro, and give a positive response to tests for peroxidase and lipase. The liver pigment cells are isolated, together with the Kupffer cells, from the sinusoidal cell fraction of the liver. In culture, they maintain their melanogenetic ability, demonstrated by the presence of dopaoxidase activity in the soluble, membranous, and melanosome fractions. Analysis of the cultures showed that as culture time increased, so did melanosome dopaoxidase activity, the number of pigmented fields, and the level of pigmentation of the cells. The values of dopaoxidase activity of the pigment cells in culture show the same seasonal oscillations as the system in toto, indicating that the cells maintain an internal clock, at least in the first 72 h of culture. There is evidence that the pigment cells are macrophages which can express a melanogenetic function. Our results and other experimental data provide a basis for hypothesizing that the pigment cells in Rana esculenta L. liver may derive from, or have a common origin with, the Kupffer cells.

Four conserved promoter motifs regulate transcription of the gene encoding human complement component C2.

The early complement components of the classical activation pathway of the complement cascade include the components C1, C4, C2, and C3. These components act in concert to opsonize bacteria, clear immune complexes, and produce inflammatory mediators. They are not structurally homologous nor are they coordinately regulated. The expression of the early complement components is divergent in terms of cytokine responsiveness and tissue specificity. The only pattern of expression shared by the early complement components is inducibility by gamma-IFN and expression in cells of hepatic or monocytic lineage. Nevertheless, four novel conserved promoter motifs were identified in the 5' flanking region of multiple early complement component promoters. Mutation of these four motifs in the C2 promoter decreased transcription in hepatoma cells in transient transfection analyses, and a synthetic promoter consisting of just the four motifs supported transcription in hepatoma cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrate that three of the four conserved elements bind DNA-binding proteins in a tissue-specific manner. One DNA-binding protein is expressed ubiquitously, but the other three are restricted to cells of monocytic or hepatic lineage. Two of the DNA-binding proteins appear to be members of the zinc-finger family of transcription factors. Therefore, these four motifs appear to bind DNA-binding proteins that may function in the tissue-specific expression of C2. Conservation of these four motifs in multiple early complement component genes suggests that these may represent a conserved transcriptional strategy.