Research Content

Ken Matsumoto / Daisuke Niki

① Establishment of humanized liver mouse for iPS cell studies in vivo.

iPS cell studies have shown its utility and overcame several issues aroused from human ES cell studies. One of the next proposals is to examine whether differentiated iPS cells can reconstruct organs and maintain its function as hepatocyte for a long period. Thus, we plan to generate humanized liver mouse using hepatocytes derived from human iPS cells, and examine the utility and safety in vivo. Moreover, we generate mouse models of human inherited liver diseases using iPS cells derived from patients.

② Investigation of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell development.

Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs) have unique functions and properties, but developmental mechanism is still poorly understood. In this study, we will elucidate molecular pathways of HSECs development with special emphasis on the role of hepatoblast (hepatocyte progenitor), and attempt to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into HSECs.

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