Japanese Scientists Grow Functional Miniature Human Livers from Stem Cells.

Japanese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in regenerative medicine by successfully growing miniature human livers from stem cells that function like real ones. These lab-grown livers have not only demonstrated key liver functions but have also been used to save mice with liver failure.

The Breakthrough

Researchers at Keio University School of Medicine used a novel method to grow hepatocyte organoids, miniature 3D models of the liver, from cryopreserved human adult hepatocytes. By treating these cells with oncostatin M, a signaling protein involved in inflammation, they achieved a million-fold proliferation of the organoids. These organoids showed major liver functions, such as producing glucose, urea, and bile acid, and formed networks of small canals that allowed bile acid to pass.

Key Findings

– The miniature livers were grown from human stem cells and demonstrated key liver functions.

– When transplanted into mice with liver failure, the lab-grown livers restored liver function.

– The scientists used oncostatin M to stimulate the growth of hepatocyte organoids.

– The organoids formed networks of small canals that allowed bile acid to pass, mimicking the human liver’s function.

Implications

This breakthrough has significant implications for liver disease treatment and regenerative medicine. The ability to grow functional miniature livers from stem cells could potentially provide an alternative to liver transplants, which are limited by donor availability. Additionally, these lab-grown livers could be used to test new medications and treatments for liver diseases.

Future Directions

While this achievement is promising, further research is needed to scale up the production of these miniature livers and ensure their safety and efficacy in humans. Scientists envision a future where these lab-grown livers could be used as a bridge to transplant or as a treatment for acute liver failure.