Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into functional hepatocyte-like cells in a serum-free adherent culture condition

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are considered one promising new approach to generate a transplantable cell source for the treatment of liver diseases. Because traditional methods, such as the initial formation of embryoid body in the presence of serum result in all three germ layer derivatives, strategies have been utilized that favor cell-specific differentiation to generate more uniformity. Here, we have presented the use of a multistep protocol with growth factors in a serum-free adherent culture configuration to mediate the hepatocyte differentiation of human ESCs (hESCs). The differentiated cells exhibited characteristic hepatocyte morphology, ultrastructure, and expressed hepatic-related genes as shown by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and displayed antibody detectable expression of markers specific for hepatic maturation. These hepatocyte-like cells also demonstrated evidence of albumin and alpha-fetoprotein secretion, glycogen storage, urea production, uptake of low-density lipoprotein, and indocyanine green. Therefore, we propose that the hepatocyte-like cells derived from hESCs by the present method may provide a useful model for the studies of key events during early liver development and a potential source of drug screening and transplantable cells for cell-replacement therapies.