| 摘要 |
<p>It is found out that a membrane protein dlk (delta-like) is expressed specifically on embryonic liver cell surface. Using an antibody against the dlk protein, undifferentiated embryonic liver cells containing liver stem cells are successfully purified at a high purity from fetal mouse liver. The embryonic liver cells thus obtained contain liver stem cells capable of undergoing binary differentiation into liver cells and biliary cells. A marker molecule for liver cells, a method of separating undifferentiated liver cells using this marker molecule, and undifferentiated liver cells separated by this method are also provided. By using the above method, liver stem cells can be conveniently purified at a high concentration. The undifferentiated liver cells obtained thereby are usable in regeneration therapy and artificial liver. Moreover, these cells are usable in analyzing interactions among cells and assay systems and screening systems for drugs controlling drug metabolism or liver cell differentiation and antiviral agents.</p> |
