Zhi Zhong, Jiangchuan Du, Xiangjie Zhu, Lingting Guan, Yanyu Hu, Peilin Zhang, Hongyang Wang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that hepatocyte-like cells can be generated from fibroblasts using either lineage-specific transcription factors or chemical induction methods. However, these methods have their own deficiencies that restrict the therapeutic applications of such induced hepatocytes. In this study, we present a transgene-free, highly efficient chemical-induced direct reprogramming approach to generate hepatocyte-like cells from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Using a small molecule cocktail (SMC) as an inducer, MEFs can be directly reprogrammed into hepatocyte-like cells, bypassing the intermediate stages of pluripotent and immature hepatoblasts. These chemical-induced hepatocyte-like cells (ciHeps) closely resemble mature primary hepatocytes in terms of morphology, biological behavior, gene expression patterns, marker expression levels, and hepatic functions. Furthermore, transplanted ciHeps can integrate into the liver, promote liver regeneration, and improve survival rates in mice with acute liver damage. ciHeps can also ameliorate liver fibrosis caused by chronic injuries and enhance liver function. Notably, ciHeps exhibit no tumorigenic potential either in vitro or in vivo. Mechanistically, SMC-induced mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition and suppression of SNAI1 contribute to the fate conversion of fibroblasts into ciHeps. These results indicate that this transgene-free, chemical-induced direct reprogramming technique has the potential to serve as a valuable means of producing alternative hepatocytes for both research and therapeutic purposes. Additionally, this method also sheds light on the direct reprogramming of other cell types under chemical induction.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Molecular Cell Biology ( JMCB ) is a full open access, peer-reviewed online journal interested in inter-disciplinary studies at the cross-sections between molecular and cell biology as well as other disciplines of life sciences. The broad scope of JMCB reflects the merging of these life science disciplines such as stem cell research, signaling, genetics, epigenetics, genomics, development, immunology, cancer biology, molecular pathogenesis, neuroscience, and systems biology. The journal will publish primary research papers with findings of unusual significance and broad scientific interest. Review articles, letters and commentary on timely issues are also welcome.
JMCB features an outstanding Editorial Board, which will serve as scientific advisors to the journal and provide strategic guidance for the development of the journal. By selecting only the best papers for publication, JMCB will provide a first rate publishing forum for scientists all over the world.