Carcinogenesis, Teratogenesis & Mutagenesis

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Human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatocytes: a potential model for hepatitis B virus

SUN Ping-nan1,2,4,ZHOU Xiao-ling2,3,4,*,YANG Shao-zhe1,2,4,CHENG Lin2,3,4,YAO Wei-cheng2,3,4   

  1. Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041
  • Received:2014-07-14 Revised:2014-09-01 Online:2014-09-30 Published:2014-09-30

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential of human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatocytes (hESC-Heps) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) model. METHODS:Human embryonic stem cells were directly induced to differentiate into hESC-Heps using a step-wised method. Expression of hepatocyte-enriched factors such as hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) and albumin (ALB),and HBV functional receptor Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) receptor in hESC-Heps were examined by immunofluorescence method. Moreover,activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) in hESC-Heps treated with type Ⅲ interferon was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS:Mature hESC-Heps expressed HNF4α,ALB,and NTCP receptor as well as displayed type Ⅲ interferon response specific in primary human hepatocytes. CONCLUSION:hESC-Heps may be a potential model for HBV research.

Key words: human embryonic stem cell, hepatocytes, HBV model