Japanese biologists from city University of Yokohama (Yokohama City University) reported on the establishment of a mini-liver grown in vitro (in vitro) from induced pluripotent stem cells.
Project Manager Hideki Taniguchi (Taniguchi Hideki) explained that induced pluripotent stem cells (ipscs) were obtained by remodeling of the skin cells of an adult. After culturing ipscs in a special environment using stimulating the regeneration of organs endothelial and mesenchymal stem cells, the researchers were able to grow a full “part” of the liver. This mini-body corresponded to the early stage of development of the liver.
Let the biologists created the mini-liver is still small (only 5 mm) and cannot function as a complete body, however it has blood vessels, albumin develops and participates in the decomposition of ammonia.
On the basis of the conducted on rodents of the pilot study, it was found that the transplanted mice mini body has the ability to break down and metabolize a number of drugs that can be metabolized only by the liver of the human.
According to the head of research, the process of creating a mini-liver time-consuming: it requires not only the exact time of introduction of endothelial and mesenchymal stem cells, but also strict compliance with the conditions of cultivation of cells and the formation of mini-organ.
Experts suggest that in the near future they will be able, risks laboratory ipscs, to adapt the proposed method of cultivation of the liver in humans. It is hoped that their advanced technology will help to temporarily replace or fully restore dysfunctional liver patients.
Currently biologists have proposed the use of locally grown mini organs for the detection of toxicity in the screening of potential pharmacological agents.