Delivering Functional Hepatocytes from Pluripotent Stem Cells
David Hay, Principal Investigator, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh
The development
of renewable human liver models, from genetically defined origins, is likely to
be a game-changing addition to the field. However, for these models to have
significant impact they must be stable in character and capable of manufacture
at scale. For this reason, we have chosen to use pluripotent stem cells (PSCs).
We have developed highly efficient, scalable, and reliable differentiation
procedures for use with PSCs, which demonstrate very promising qualities. In
collaboration with industry and academic laboratories, we provide proof of
concept that stem cell derived hepatocytes are scalable and metabolise drugs.
In addition, our stem cell based systems possess an intact innate immune system
and are capable of predicting human drug-induced liver injury, in line with
current gold standard human models. Our most recent advances will be discussed
at the meeting.
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