Analysis on molecular mechanisms of proliferation and differentiation of hepatic stem/progenitor cells and development of animal model for treatment of liver diseases using hepatic stem cells

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Investigators of this research project have analyzed on the molecular mechanisms of differentiation and proliferation of primary hepatic stem/progenitor cells purified by cell surface markers. We have also studied whether modulation of several molecules improves therapeutic efficacy of transplantation using hepatic stem/progenitor cells. We found that Wnt5a and Wnt5a-related molecules control the biliary differentiation of hepatic stem/progenitor cells. Next, our data indicated that loss of MMP2 or MMP14 worsens the efficacy of transplantation using hepatic stem/progenitor cells. These studies contribute to the progress of regenerative medical science and autologous stem cell therapy against liver diseases.