Improving the generation of hepatocyte-like cells from pluripotent stem cells via high-efficient differentiation to definitive endoderm

Objective To optimize the method of generating hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs)in vitro. Methods Considering the development of hepatocyte in vivo, a more efficient method was developed by optimizing biochemical factors to the stepwise differentiate PSCs into HLCs. Then the differentiation experiments were performed with human embryonic stem cell (hESC)line H9. The efficiency of the generation of HLCs was evaluated by morphological observation at different stages of differentiation. RT-qPCR and flow cytometry assay were used to examine the marker genes expression. Results A method of high-efficient hESCs differentiation to definitive endoderm (DE) was developed by adding cytokines activin A, bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)and fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2). It highly improved mRNA expression of marker genes at different stages. Venus fluorescence tracer and the results of flow-cytometry also showed that the population proportion of HLCs was significantly increased. Conclusions The high-efficient differentiation to DE improves differentiation efficiency of PSCs into HLCs.