Research Content

• Zhenghua Li
• Ken Matsumoto・Ahmad・Yasumitsu Fujie

Ken Matsumoto・Ahmad・Yasumitsu Fujie

(1) An analysis system was established for evaluating hepatocytes induced for differentiation from human iPS cells in vivo.

Based on recent studies related to iPS cells, various problems have been solved/overcome. However, most of the research so far has been in vitro research, and evaluation of differentiation-induced iPS cells in vivo is an upcoming challenge. In this study, using hepatocytes derived from human iPS cells to produce a humanized liver mice, an analysis system has been established for evaluation of the functionality and safety in vivo of iPS cells induced to differentiate introduced to hepatocytes. In addition, using hereditary liver disease patient-derived hepatocytes induced to differentiate from iPS cells, humanized-liver model mice were created and pathological analysis will be carried out.

(2) Clarification of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell development mechanism

Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells are endothelial cells present in the hepatic sinusoid and they have specific functions and characteristics. However, the generation mechanism of these are as yet poorly understood. This study aims to establish clarification of the general mechanics of the hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells and to establish a differentiation induction system from pluripotent stem cells to hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells by focusing on the liver bud cells, which are the precursor cells of liver cells.