The effect of retinoic acid on the re-establishment of differentiated hepatocyte phenotype in primary culture

Cell and Tissue Research
L FalascaL Conti Devirgiliis

Abstract

The usefulness of cultured hepatocytes is limited by the gradual loss of their typical physiological functions that occurs in vitro, mainly due to the absence of microenviromental conditions found in vivo. In this study we describe the effect of retinoic acid on the re-establishment of morphological characteristics and on the reorganization of the cytoskeletal network in cultured rat hepatocytes. Results obtained demonstrate that retinoic acid can influence hepatocyte differentiation, as regards the recovery of cell polarity, polyhedric shape and reformation of bile canaliculi and junctional complexes. The main target of this action appears to be the cytoarchitecture of cytoskeletal components, particularly cytokeratin filaments, which regain the configuration present in intact liver. The reorganization of the intermediate filaments does not seem to be dependent on the induction of higher levels of cytokeratin proteins, but rather appears to be due to post-translational regulation. The effect of retinoic acid on the cytoskeletal organization could determine the stabilization of intercellular contacts by means of junctions, leading to the appearance of morpho-functional characteristics typical of well-differentiated hepatocytes.

Citations

Sep 10, 1998·Hepatology : Official Journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases·L FalascaL Conti Devirgiliis
Feb 3, 2009·In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. Animal·Petra KrauseIrmelin Probst
Feb 13, 2001·Mechanisms of Ageing and Development·L FalascaL Conti Devirgiliis
Jun 5, 2002·Journal of Hepatology·Saul J Karpen
Oct 7, 2006·Current Opinion in Gastroenterology·S J Karpen, J M Crawford
Aug 25, 2001·Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·Y OsawaS Nakashima
Sep 6, 2003·Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver·A AlisiL Conti Devirgiliis
Apr 30, 2002·Cell Biochemistry and Function·Antonietta NicotraLaura Conti Devirgiliis

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