Exploring Possibilities with Stem Cells
Hopkins’ advances in stem cell research show promise for treating liver damage. A limiting factor in the success of liver cell transplantation is the condition of the hepatic microenvironment in which the cells must proliferate and recreate a three-dimensional functional architecture. Hopkins has found that different regenerative cells with variations in potential for proliferation and differentiation may provide different sources of cells for liver transplantation: hepatocytes for treatment of acute liver damage, liver progenitor cell lines for liver-directed gene therapy, and bone marrow-derived cells for chronic long-term liver replacement.
