In Vitro Evaluation of Migratory Capacity of Human Liver Stem Cells Influenced by Soluble Factors

• Published in: Transplantation proceedings 2012-05, Vol.44 (4), p.1120-1122
• Main Authors: Jang, I.K, Yoon, H.-H, Lee, J.-H, Yang, M.S, Noh, J.-K, Lee, J.E, Kim, H.E, Park, J.-K, Kwon, C.H.D, Lee, D.-H, Lee, S.-K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cells, Cultured; Chemotaxis; Coculture Techniques; Cryopreservation; Cytokines - metabolism; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 - metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fundamental immunology; Hepatocyte Growth Factor - metabolism; Hepatocytes - metabolism; Humans; Infant; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins - metabolism; Interferon-gamma - metabolism; Interleukin-6 - metabolism; Liver - cytology; Medical sciences; Paracrine Communication; Stem Cells - immunology; Stem Cells - metabolism; Surgery; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Tissue, organ and graft immunology; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - metabolism; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A - metabolism
• ISSN: 0041-1345; 1873-2623
• DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2012.01.080

Abstract Although several studies have addressed the engraftment of stem cells into the liver, the exact mechanisms in vivo remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of soluble factors on cell migration using purified, expanded human liver stem cells (HLSCs) obtained from a pediatric liver resection. Using a in vitro transwell migration assay, we evaluated the migratory capacity of HLSCs under the influence of the cytokines tumor necross factor- [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ or the growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], and hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], which are known to be highly secreted during liver injury. We also evaluated the migratory capacity indirectly influenced by cryopreserved human hepatocytes. The migration across the transwell membrane was promoted by VEGF, bFGF, TNF-α, IFN-γ, or hepatocytes. The cryopreserved human hepatocytes especially induced significant migration. These results suggested the presence of unidentified soluble factors from hepatocytes. This experiment described a reliable system for quantitative migration studies to broaden our understanding of the directional nature of cell migration.