Streamlining Hepatic Differentiation: An optimized Approach Using iPSCs for Organoid Production

The utility of stem cells in laboratory and clinical research has been clearly demonstrated through an extensive number of studies exemplifying them as a model for a multitude of diseases and therapeutic development. The inherent flexibility of stem cells, allows for the creation of many different tissue types, from a single, highly proliferative base cell type. Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into somatic tissues requires specific conditions dependent on the desired tissue type. In this webinar we describe work performed to differentiate human iPSCs into hepatocytes, using three distinct media types with their own growth factor and cytokine supplementation, at key stages of differentiation. Hence providing a relatively simple method for producing mature hepatic cells. This enabled the production of human hepatic organoids from these source cells, demonstrating a robust method for unlimited organoid development. Outlined is a simple, standardized and robust workflow, using Research Use Only (RUO) Growth Factors and Cytokines, in combination with high-throughput screening cytometry for phenotypic characterization, and live-cell analysis for monitoring cell growth. This approach simplifies the generation of functional hepatic cells and organoids from iPSCs for drug discovery, development, and toxicity studies.