Nonintegrating Direct Conversion Using mRNA into Hepatocyte-Like Cells

Biomed Res Int. 2018 Sep 20:2018:8240567. doi: 10.1155/2018/8240567. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Recently, several researchers have reported that direct reprogramming techniques can be used to differentiate fibroblasts into hepatocyte-like cells without a pluripotent intermediate step. However, the use of viral vectors for conversion continues to pose important challenges in terms of genome integration. Herein, we propose a new method of direct conversion without genome integration with potential clinical applications. To generate hepatocyte-like cells, mRNA coding for the hepatic transcription factors Foxa3 and HNF4α was transfected into mouse embryonic fibroblasts. After 10-12 days, the fibroblasts converted to an epithelial morphology and generated colonies of hepatocyte-like cells (R-iHeps). The generated R-iHeps expressed hepatocyte-specific marker genes and proteins, including albumin, alpha-fetoprotein, HNF4α, CK18, and CYP1A2. To evaluate hepatic function, indocyanine green uptake, periodic acid-Schiff staining, and albumin secretion were assessed. Furthermore, mCherry-positive R-iHeps were engrafted in the liver of Alb-TRECK/SCID mice, and we confirmed FAH enzyme expression in Fah1RTyrc/RJ models. In conclusion, our data suggest that the nonintegrating method using mRNA has potential for cell therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Differentiation / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism*
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-gamma* / biosynthesis
  • Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-gamma* / genetics
  • Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4* / genetics
  • Hepatocytes / cytology
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • RNA, Messenger* / chemistry
  • RNA, Messenger* / genetics
  • Transfection*

Substances

  • Antigens, Differentiation
  • Foxa3 protein, mouse
  • Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4
  • Hnf4a protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 3-gamma