AI Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF4alpha) in liver stem cells from an AAF/PH rat model, highlighting its role in liver development and differentiation.
- - Researchers used techniques like density-gradient centrifugation, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR to isolate and analyze liver stem cells, confirming their identity and status over a 5-day culture period.
- - Findings revealed that multiple HNF4alpha isoforms (alpha1, alpha2, alpha7, alpha8) were expressed in liver stem cells, unlike in hepatocytes where only alpha1 and alpha2 were present, suggesting these isoforms might help maintain the stemness of liver stem cells.
Article Abstract
The hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF4alpha) has been implicated in liver development and hepatocellular differentiation. The HNF4alpha expression in liver stem cells has not yet been fully investigated. Here, we describe the expression characterization of HNF4alpha in liver stem cells isolated from 2-acetylaminofluorene/partial hepatectomy (AAF/PH) rat model by a combination of density-gradient centrifugation and selective enzymatic digestion. The obtained cells were identified by flow cytometry (FCM) immediately and then by immunocytochemisty and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after 5 d culture. The cultured stem cells were subjected to analysis of the expression of various HNF4alpha isoforms using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results showed that HNF4alpha isoforms, alpha1, alpha2, alpha7, and alpha8 were present in liver stem cells, which contrasted with only alpha1 and alpha2 expression in hepatocytes. The distinct expression patterns of HNF4alpha isoforms in liver stem cells may contribute to maintain the "stemness" of these cells.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcb.20939 | DOI Listing |
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