Activation of cAMP (EPAC2) signaling pathway promotes hepatocyte attachment

Abstract Primary Human Hepatocyte (PHH) remains undefeated as the gold standard in hepatic studies. Despite its valuable properties, partial attachment loss due to the extraction process and cryopreservation remained the main hurdle in its application. We hypothesized that we could overcome the loss...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Grace Aprilia Helena, Teruhiko Watanabe, Yusuke Kato, Nobuaki Shiraki, Shoen Kume
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2023-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39712-3
Description
Summary:Abstract Primary Human Hepatocyte (PHH) remains undefeated as the gold standard in hepatic studies. Despite its valuable properties, partial attachment loss due to the extraction process and cryopreservation remained the main hurdle in its application. We hypothesized that we could overcome the loss of PHH cell attachment through thawing protocol adjustment and medium composition. We reported a novel use of a medium designed for iPSC-derived hepatocytes, increasing PHH attachment on the collagen matrix. Delving further into the medium composition, we discovered that removing BSA and exposure to cAMP activators such as IBMX and Forskolin benefit PHH attachment. We found that activating EPAC2, the cAMP downstream effector, by S-220 significantly increased PHH attachment. We also found that EPAC2 activation induced bile canaliculi formation in iPS-derived hepatocytes. Combining these factors in studies involving PHH or iPS-hepatocyte culture provides promising means to improve cell attachment and maintenance of hepatic function.
ISSN:2045-2322