We are investigating the self-renewing properties of human foetal stem cells, particularly those isolated from the foetal liver. Also of interest are cell types present in the adult liver which retain the ability to self-renew and to regenerate the adult liver following radical surgical intervention or disease. Tissue differentiation We are examining the differentiation of isolated human foetal liver stem cells towards cells of epithelial, mesenchymal, endothelial and haemopoietic lineages. Of particular interest are pathways leading to hepatocyte and pancreatic differentiation. We are also examining the architecture and phenotype of first trimester and second trimester foetal liver in comparison with adult liver. Tissue repair We are investigating the mechanisms of liver repair following damage or hypoxic insult. The mechanism of ischaemic or chemical preconditioning of the liver leading to the induction of stress (heat shock) proteins in order to protect from a more severe insult is another area of activity. Inflammation We also continue to investigate the contribution of the liver to the systemic inflammatory response in: Liver disease Cancer Cardiovascular disease Pancreatic disease This article was published on 2024-02-06
