Side Population Cells From an Immortalized Human Liver Epithelial Cell Line Exhibit Hepatic Stem-Like Cell Properties.

摘要: The existence of hepatic stem cells in human livers is controversial. We investigated whether the side population (SP) derived from an immortalized liver epithelial cell line THLE-5b possess properties stem-like cells. SP were isolated using flow cytometry and assayed for expression phenotypic markers by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction immunostaining. retained capacity to generate both non-SP cells, showed a self-renewal, more efficient colony formation than Neither nor formed tumors when transplanted into athymic nude mice or severe combined immunodeficient mice. level cell-associated such as ATP-binding cassette membrane transporter, adhesion molecule, c-kit, Thy-1, octomer binding factor 4 was higher When cultivated rotation-mediated aggregates, liver-specific genes including tryptophan oxygenase CYP3A4 up-regulated suggesting that have ability differentiate hepatocyte phenotype. One clonal lines expressed markers. These results indicate suggest can be used model normal progenitor line.