BACKGROUND/AIMS: Small hepatocytes (SHs) are hepatic progenitor cells, but the phenotypical difference between SHs and mature hepatocytes (MHs) has never been demonstrated. METHODS: The profile of gene expression was examined to clarify the difference between SHs and MHs by using a DNA microarray. Genes that were specifically expressed in SHs were identified and RT-PCR analysis of them was performed. Immunocytochemistry for CD44 standard form (CD44s) and variant form 6 (CD44v6) was performed using cultured SHs and the d-galactosamine (GalN)-injured rat liver. From the GalN-treated liver, CD44s+ cells were obtained by sorting and RT-PCR analysis was performed. RESULTS: Analysis using the DNA microarray and RT-PCR of them revealed restricted expression of CD44s and CD44v6 in SHs. In culture, CD44s appeared at day 3 and increased with the proliferation of SHs. CD44v6 expression was delayed compared to that of CD44s. With GalN-administration, CD44+ hepatocytes appeared around periportal areas at days 3 and 4 and then decreased. Sorted CD44s+ cells could form colonies and possessed hepatic markers. CONCLUSIONS: CD44 is a specific marker of SHs. The expression of CD44 mRNA and protein is restricted to SHs, and is up-regulated at the time when SHs start to proliferate both in vitro and in vivo.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Small hepatocytes (SHs) are hepatic progenitor cells, but the phenotypical difference between SHs and mature hepatocytes (MHs) has never been demonstrated. METHODS: The profile of gene expression was examined to clarify the difference between SHs and MHs by using a DNA microarray. Genes that were specifically expressed in SHs were identified and RT-PCR analysis of them was performed. Immunocytochemistry for CD44 standard form (CD44s) and variant form 6 (CD44v6) was performed using cultured SHs and the d-galactosamine (GalN)-injured rat liver. From the GalN-treated liver, CD44s+ cells were obtained by sorting and RT-PCR analysis was performed. RESULTS: Analysis using the DNA microarray and RT-PCR of them revealed restricted expression of CD44s and CD44v6 in SHs. In culture, CD44s appeared at day 3 and increased with the proliferation of SHs. CD44v6 expression was delayed compared to that of CD44s. With GalN-administration, CD44+ hepatocytes appeared around periportal areas at days 3 and 4 and then decreased. Sorted CD44s+ cells could form colonies and possessed hepatic markers. CONCLUSIONS:CD44 is a specific marker of SHs. The expression of CD44 mRNA and protein is restricted to SHs, and is up-regulated at the time when SHs start to proliferate both in vitro and in vivo.
Authors: Jiamei Chen; Long Chen; Mark A Zern; Neil D Theise; Ann Mae Diehl; Ping Liu; Yuyou Duan Journal: Liver Int Date: 2017-02-23 Impact factor: 5.828
Authors: Frank Arnold; Pallavi U Mahaddalkar; Johann M Kraus; Xiaowei Zhong; Wendy Bergmann; Dharini Srinivasan; Johann Gout; Elodie Roger; Alica K Beutel; Eugen Zizer; Umesh Tharehalli; Nora Daiss; Ronan Russell; Lukas Perkhofer; Rupert Oellinger; Qiong Lin; Ninel Azoitei; Frank-Ulrich Weiss; Markus M Lerch; Stefan Liebau; Sarah-Fee Katz; André Lechel; Roland Rad; Thomas Seufferlein; Hans A Kestler; Michael Ott; Amar Deep Sharma; Patrick C Hermann; Alexander Kleger Journal: Adv Sci (Weinh) Date: 2021-05-13 Impact factor: 16.806
Authors: Srikumar Sengupta; Brian Johnson; Morten Seirup; Hamisha Ardalani; Bret Duffin; Gregory A Barrett-Wilt; Ron Stewart; James A Thomson Journal: Curr Res Toxicol Date: 2020-08-26