Hepatocytic Differentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Translational Research in the Pig

Extended liver resection is the only curative treatment option of liver cancer. Yet, the residual liver may not accomplish the high metabolic and regenerative capacity needed, which frequently leads to acute liver failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells might provide functional and regenerative compensation. Clinical application requires pre-clinical approvals in large animals. Therefore, we characterized porcine MSC from adipose tissue and bone marrow and their hepatocyte differentiation potential for functional liver support after surgical intervention in the porcine mod…