BruStem: Regenerative medicine of the liver using synergistic mixtures of immature or mature human hepatocytes with mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells or with hepatic stellate cells.

The aim of the project is to explore alternative cell candidates for liver regenerative medicine. Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells from intra and extrahepatic sources are specifically studied with respect to their proliferation and hepatogenic differentiation potential. In parallel, the selected cells will be investigated regarding their possible use as an in vitro cell model for toxico-pharmacological screening tests. Liver stellate cells will also be studied and developed for screening of anti-fibrogenic drugs. The final objective of this project is to provide standard operation procedures for a technology transfer to GMP compliant processes and translational clinical use of these hepatocyte-derived stem cells.