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Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Hepatocytes


Yi-Fang Cui, Ai-Lian Liu*
Center for Developmental Biology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200092, China
Abstract: Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells with the potential to give rise to all three primary germ layers of the embryo. ES cells have been regarded as a new cell source for cell replacement therapy. Recently, differentiation of hepatocytes from ES cells has been reported using either in vitro, in vivo differentiation protocols, or protocols combining both approaches. Although hepatocytes derived from ES cells promise a potential for treating liver or liver-related diseases, further studies are needed to improve in vivo integration of these cells.


CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2004.05.0015