The program culture requires 21 days. The percentage of the number of cells successfully transformed using this method is 82%, higher than that of viral delivery system at just 60%. The first transformation can be seen in the shape of the fibroblast cell, which become rounded instead of the original ovoid shape. The markers of transformation from fibroblast into hepatocyte cells checked in this study are: genetic expression markers (Cebpa, Hnf4a, and Nr1i2), and hepatocyte markers (Alb, Glul, and Cyp), both checked using the RT-PCR technique. Cebpa and Hnf4a proteins, proven using the IFA technique, also serve as a marker of successful programming of fibroblasts into hepatocytes.
“Therefore, we can conclude that transforming cell type from fibroblasts into hepatocytes is possible. Determining the optimal age of original tissue as a source of fibroblast cells is a challenging subject for subsequent research. The advantage of using fibroblasts originating from bodily tissues, or primary fibroblasts, is that it opens up the opportunity to develop hepatological therapies, whether for elderly fibrosis or cirrhosis patients, or for young patients with con genital abnormalities,” Melinda said.
However, in terms of research, we still have a long road ahead of us, before we can use hepatocyte cells originating from fibroblasts in patient treatments safely, and produce them on a large scale. (est)