In vitro differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells.

BACKGROUND Orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) is the final procedure of both end stage and metabolic liver diseases. Hepatocyte transplantation is an alternative for OLT, but the sources of hepatocytes are limited. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells and are a potential alternative source for hepatocytes. We aimed to investigate the differentiation potential of BM-MSCs into hepatocyte-like cells. METHODS Human BM-MSCs from a healthy donor were cultured and differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells. We investigated the expression of hepatocyte-specific markers in MSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells (MSC-HLC) and evaluated their functionality using metabolic assays. RESULTS MSC-HLCs expressed hepatocyte-specific markers at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the cells had the ability to uptake low density lipoprotein (LDL), clear ammonia, secrete albumin, and store glycogen. MSC-HLCs were transplanted into a familial hypercholesteromia patient. CONCLUSION Human MSCs can be differentiated into partially functional hepatocyte-like cells. Thus, they could be a potential source for cell therapy in liver disorders.