The process of differentiation of an individual hepatocyte from its stem cell origins is still poorly characterised. Information regarding the genetic and proteomic profile of adult, foetal and embryonic stem cell-derived hepatocytes will be valuable in ascertaining how closely in vitro differentiation mimics the in vivo situation. In addition, such information will provide not only basic information on the process of differentiation but may contribute to future use of such cells in artificial support devices, in transplantation and in cell-based assays in drug discovery and toxicology. Isolating Hepatocytes We have great experience in isolating hepatocytes and other cell types from adult human liver and examining the differentiated function of these cells. We also have increasing experience of isolating various lineages from human foetal tissue, particularly from the foetal liver. The foetal liver is a rich source of stem cells including endodermal, mesenchymal, haemopoietic and more committed cells such as hepatoblasts which retain the ability to divide. We therefore provide a platform for examining human hepatocyte differentiation from foetal stem cells, through foetal hepatocytes to adult hepatocytes and also collaborate on the differentiation of human embryonic stemm cells to the hepatocyte lineage. This article was published on 2024-02-06
