Hepatocyte-Like Cells Derived from Pluripotent Stem Cells

Abstract Landmark discoveries during the last decade have shown that the so-called “terminally differentiated” somatic cells can transition to more primitive progenitor cells. On the other hand, directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells, as well as pluripotent stem cells obtained by reprogramming of somatic cells (induced pluripotent stem cells, iPSCs) has enabled the generation of differentiated cells belonging to each of the three germ layers. These studies continue to provide novel insights into the basic mechanisms of cell plasticity underlying the transition of cells to various cell types. Furthermore, the ability to differentiate iPSCs to various cell types, including hepatocyte-like cells (iHep) has initiated the translational application of such cells in disease modeling, pharmacological testing, and regenerative medicine. Despite these developments, currently available methods do not yield cells that fully resemble adult primary hepatocytes in the qualitative and quantitative gene expressions. Generating hepatocytes from iPSCs remains a work in progress. In addition to describing these exciting developments, this review will discuss some emerging new approaches to generate iPSCs, improving their differentiation to iHeps and maintaining them in culture for longer duration and with improved function.