Serum Free Production of Three-dimensional Human Hepatospheres from Pluripotent Stem Cells.

The development of renewable sources of liver tissue is required to improve cell-based modelling, and develop human tissue for transplantation. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent promising sources of human liver spheres. We have developed a serum free and defined method of cellular differentiation to generate three-dimensional human liver spheres formed from human pluripotent stem cells.

Pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes: potential and challenges in pharmacology.

The liver is a fascinating organ and performs a wide range of functions necessary for life. Because the hepatocyte is the major functional cell type found in the liver, it is important that we better understand its role in health and disease. Functional hepatocytes have been derived from many sources, including human stem cell populations.