Hepatocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells using the Cellartis iPS Cell to Hepatocyte Differentiation System are an alternative to primary hepatocytes, as they exhibit sufficient expression levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters and demonstrate stable functionality over time in culture. In addition, hiPS cell-derived hepatocytes can provide an accurate reflection of the metabolic diversity observed in the human population. The Cellartis iPS Cell to Hepatocyte Differentiation System provides a complete solution for generating functional, hiPS cell-derived hepatocytes within three weeks.

The process of generating hiPS cell-derived hepatocytes begins with the directed differentiation of hiPS cells into Definitive Endoderm (DE) cells that are then differentiated further into hepatocytes. The complete system provides media and ready-to-use coatings for each step of the iPS-cell-to-hepatocyte differentiation protocol. Starting with approximately 3 x 10⁶ undifferentiated hiPS cells, this system yields 5 x 10⁶ hepatocytes, equivalent to a confluent monolayer of 50 cm². This do-it-yourself system offers a solution for the consistent production of assay-ready cells from patient-derived cells or from Cellartis brand iPS cell lines—enabling highly reproducible results.

Hepatocytes obtained with the Cellartis iPS Cell to Hepatocyte Differentiation System express major hepatic markers and show relevant CYP enzyme activities based on the genetic background of the original hiPS cells from which they were derived. In addition, these freshly differentiated hepatocytes are functionally stable for a longer timeframe compared to cryopreserved primary hepatocytes, enabling prolonged experiments such as long-term toxicity assays or viral infection studies. Cellartis Hepatocyte Maintenance Medium (Cat. # Y30051) is recommended for long-term maintenance of hiPS cell-derived hepatocytes.