Differentiation of human umbilical cord lining membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from several human tissues have been reported to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells recently. Umbilical cord lining membrane (UCLM) represents abundant and non-controversial source for MSCs. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro differentiation of UCLM-derived MSCs (UCLM-MSCs) into functional hepatocyte-like cells. In this study, UCLM-MSCs were induced to differentiate into hepatocytes by a two-step protocol. Differentiated hepatocyte-like cells were analyzed based on three specific criteria including hepatocyte morphology, expression of hepatocyte-specific markers, and specific functionality. After 21 days of treatment, the differentiated cells became oval and round epithelial-like shape, which is characteristic of hepatocytes. Results from reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry showed that the cells expressed hepatocyte-specific markers ALB, AFP, CK18, and CK19 at both gene and protein levels. In addition, the cells had the ability to uptake low density lipoprotein (LDL) and store glycogen. Therefore, functional hepatocyte-like cells derived from UCLM- MSCs could be served as a potential source for the treatment of liver diseases. Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells, umbilical cord lining membrane, differentiation, hepatocytes-like cells, two-step protocol.