Isolation of hepatic progenitor cells using specific surface molecules

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K10665
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Digestive surgery
• Research Institution: Shinshu University
• Principal Investigator: Kobyashi Akira 信州大学, 学術研究院医学系, 准教授 (90334903)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 清水 明 信州大学, 学術研究院医学系(医学部附属病院), 講師 (00447773) ; 本山 博章 信州大学, 学術研究院医学系(医学部附属病院), 助教 (20569587) ; 宮川 眞一 信州大学, 医学部, 特任教授 (80229806)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 組織特異的幹細胞 / 分化転換 / 液性因子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Initially, we attempted to identify a specific cell surface molecule for adult liver-derived progenitor cells to isolate progenitor cells from liver tissue efficiently. However, we failed to identify specific surface molecule. Thus, we decided to proceed another study about liver-to-pancreas transdifferentioation of progenitor cells, which was originally included in the research proposal.
In this study, we demonstrated that soluble factors promote functional maturation of transcription factors (TFs)-mediated transdifferentiated cells. Treatment with an N2 supplement in combination with three soluble factors (GLP-1 receptor agonist, notch inhibitor, and TGF-β inhibitor) enhanced liver-to-pancreas transdifferentiation. This finding suggests that treatment with specific soluble factors promotes the functional maturation of transdifferentiated cells.

Free Research Field

消化器外科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

今回の知見は分化転換細胞の機能的成熟を促進する特定の物質が存在することを示唆するものであり，糖尿病を含めた再生医療における新たなアプローチを提示するものであると考えられた．