Conversion of mouse fibroblast to hepatocyte-like cells by defined factors. Mus musculus

Plasticity of differentiated cells has been proved by nuclear transfer, induced pluripotent cells and transdifferentiation. Here we show that by transduction of 3 factors (Hnf1alpha, Gata4, and Foxa3) and p19Arf inactivation, tail-tip fibroblasts can be converted to hepatocyte-like (iHep) cells, expressing hepatocyte marker genes, and acquiring many mature hepatocyte functions in vitro and in vivo. Overall design: p19Arf-null TTFs were tranfected with 3 liver enriched transcription factors, then changed to modified Block's medium. To enrich iHep cells, epithelial cells were enriched by partial trypsin digestion.