Development and characterization of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cholangiocytes

Thiago M. De Assuncao, Yan Sun, Nidhi Jalan-Sakrikar, Mary C. Drinane, Bing Q. Huang, Ying Li, Jaime I. Davila, Ruisi Wang, Steven P. O'Hara, Gwen A. Lomberk, Raul A. Urrutia, Yasuhiro Ikeda, Robert C. Huebert

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cholangiocytes are the target of a heterogeneous group of liver diseases known as the cholangiopathies. An evolving understanding of the mechanisms driving biliary development provides the theoretical underpinnings for rational development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cholangiocytes (iDCs). Therefore, the aims of this study were to develop an approach to generate iDCs and to fully characterize the cells in vitro and in vivo. Human iPSC lines were generated by forced expression of the Yamanaka pluripotency factors. We then pursued a stepwise differentiation strategy toward iDCs, using precise temporal exposure to key biliary morphogens, and we characterized the cells, using a variety of morphologic, molecular, cell biologic, functional, and in vivo approaches. Morphology shows a stepwise phenotypic change toward an epithelial monolayer. Molecular analysis during differentiation shows appropriate enrichment in markers of iPSC, definitive endoderm, hepatic specification, hepatic progenitors, and ultimately cholangiocytes. Immunostaining, western blotting, and flow cytometry demonstrate enrichment of multiple functionally relevant biliary proteins. RNA sequencing reveals that the transcriptome moves progressively toward that of human cholangiocytes. iDCs generate intracellular calcium signaling in response to ATP, form intact primary cilia, and self-assemble into duct-like structures in three-dimensional culture. In vivo, the cells engraft within mouse liver, following retrograde intrabiliary infusion. In summary, we have developed a novel approach to generate mature cholangiocytes from iPSCs. In addition to providing a model of biliary differentiation, iDCs represent a platform for in vitro disease modeling, pharmacologic testing, and individualized, cell-based, regenerative therapies for the cholangiopathies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)684-696
Number of pages13
JournalLaboratory Investigation
Volume95
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 28 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Development and characterization of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cholangiocytes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this