Bipotential adult liver progenitors are derived from chronically injured mature hepatocytes

Cell Stem Cell. 2014 Nov 6;15(5):605-18. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2014.09.008. Epub 2014 Oct 9.

Abstract

Adult liver progenitor cells are biliary-like epithelial cells that emerge only under injury conditions in the periportal region of the liver. They exhibit phenotypes of both hepatocytes and bile ducts. However, their origin and their significance to injury repair remain unclear. Here, we used a chimeric lineage tracing system to demonstrate that hepatocytes contribute to the progenitor pool. RNA-sequencing, ultrastructural analysis, and in vitro progenitor assays revealed that hepatocyte-derived progenitors were distinct from their biliary-derived counterparts. In vivo lineage tracing and serial transplantation assays showed that hepatocyte-derived proliferative ducts retained a memory of their origin and differentiated back into hepatocytes upon cessation of injury. Similarly, human hepatocytes in chimeric mice also gave rise to biliary progenitors in vivo. We conclude that human and mouse hepatocytes can undergo reversible ductal metaplasia in response to injury, expand as ducts, and subsequently contribute to restoration of the hepatocyte mass.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Adult Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Adult Stem Cells / ultrastructure
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Separation
  • Cellular Microenvironment
  • Clone Cells
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Hepatic Duct, Common / cytology
  • Hepatocytes / pathology*
  • Hepatocytes / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Mesoderm / metabolism
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • SOX9 Transcription Factor

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE55552
  • GEO/GSE58679