Decellularized liver hydrogel enhances cell engraftment in orthotopic hepatocyte transplantation

We focus relationships between human hepatocytes and a liver-derived extracellular matrix (L-ECM) gel to generate highly functional hepatic grafts. The goal of this project is to show functional advantages of 3D constructs composed of human hepatocytes and the L-ECM gels as transplantable grafts. First, we develop a 3D culture system for PXB cells (flesh mature human hepatocytes) using the L-ECM gel that functions as a scaffold material, and then identify cell characteristics of the PXB cells based on expression of hepatic functions and transcriptome by RNA-seq. Then we evaluate functions of the constructs during transplantation into immunodeficient mice. This research will help to establish efficient hepatocyte transplantation method using the L-ECM gel as functional scaffold for metabolic diseases, acute liver failure, and end-stage liver cirrhosis.