We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Cell Surface Receptor Guides Liver Development

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 18 Jun 2013
Print article
Identification of a growth factor that directs the differentiation of liver progenitor cells into mature liver cells may pave the way for development of laboratory-grown livers for use in organ transplants that will eliminate the need for living or deceased donors.

Investigators at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA) worked with mice and with samples taken from human fetal livers. They discovered that human embryonic stem cells could be differentiated into liver progenitor cells and produce mature liver cells as long at the cells expressed the cell surface growth factor KDR (kinase insert-domain receptor, also known as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2).

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major growth factor for endothelial cells. The KDR gene encodes one of the two receptors of VEGF. This receptor, known as kinase insert-domain receptor, is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase. It functions as the main mediator of VEGF-induced endothelial proliferation, survival, migration, tubular morphogenesis, and sprouting. The signaling and trafficking of this receptor are regulated by multiple factors.

The investigators found that the newly differentiated liver cells were fully functional as demonstrated by their ability to be infected by the Hepatitis C virus, a property restricted to liver cells exclusively. KDR-positive progenitor cells were found in both human and mouse liver samples, indicating their importance in the formation of the organ.

"The discovery of the novel progenitor represents a fundamental advance in this field and potentially to the liver regeneration field using cell therapy," said senior author Dr. Valerie Gouon-Evans, assistant professor of developmental and regenerative biology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "Until now, liver transplantation has been the most successful treatment for people with liver failure, but we have a drastic shortage of organs. This discovery may help circumvent that problem."

The study was published in the June 6, 2013, online issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell.

Related Links:

Mount Sinai School of Medicine


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.