Characterization and engraftment of long-term serum-free human fetal liver cell cultures

Background aims. Cultured human hepatocytes have extensive diagnostic and clinical applications. However, the setting-up of new in vitro culture techniques allowing the long-term survival and functional maintenance of adult human hepatocytes represents a formidable challenge. Fetal liver cells (FLC) are attractive candidate donor cells because of their high proliferative capacity. Methods. Using cell culture and molecular techniques, we studied the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of FLC grown long-term in serum-free conditions. Results. Serum-free FLC obtained from 6-10-week-old human fetal livers grew as multiple clusters in suspension and could be subcultured for at least six passages. These cells maintained stable hepatocyte phenotypes and gene expression patterns in culture for up to 6 months. When a cluster of these cells in various passages was placed on collagen-coated plates, they formed a monolayer and morphologically resembled hepatocytes. The cells expressed alpha -fetoprotein, cytokeratin (CK) 8, CK18 and CK19 and albumin (ALB). Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha and 1 beta and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and CYP3A7 mRNA expression was demonstrated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cells at different passages, when transplanted into nude mice with liver injury, engrafted successfully, as detected by in situ hybridization using a human-specific DNA probe. Colonies of human-specific CK8, CK18, c-Met nuclear antigen (Ag), mitochondrial Ag, hepatocyte-specific Ag and ALB-expressing cells were present in the livers of recipient animals. Conclusions. Primary human FLC can be kept in culture consistently over a long time period and are potential candidates for cell therapy and in vitro diagnostics.