Dihexa
N-(1-Oxohexyl)-L-tyrosyl-N-(6-amino-6-oxohexyl)-L-isoleucinamide, N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide, PNB-0408
Small-molecule-driven hepatocyte differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells.
Siller. Richard R; Greenhough. Sebastian S; Naumovska. Elena E; Sullivan. Gareth J GJ
Key Findings
- A growth‑factor‑free, small‑molecule protocol can efficiently convert human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte‑like cells.
- The resulting cells express liver markers at both RNA and protein levels.
- These cells perform key liver functions such as producing serum proteins, storing glycogen, and showing cytochrome P450 activity.
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers or self‑experimenters, the paper offers no direct, actionable guidance on using dihexa or any other peptide for personal health. It is mainly relevant to specialized stem‑cell labs and does not translate into a usable supplement or protocol for longevity or performance.
Summary
This study describes a lab method that uses small chemicals to turn stem cells into liver‑like cells. It’s a technical protocol for researchers and does not give any advice on taking a peptide or supplement for health or performance.
Abstract
The differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to hepatocytes is well established, yet current methods suffer from several drawbacks. These include a lack of definition and reproducibility, which in part stems from continued reliance on recombinant growth factors. This has remained a stumbling block for the translation of the technology into industry and the clinic for reasons associated with cost and quality. We have devised a growth-factor-free protocol that relies on small molecules to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells toward a hepatic phenotype. The procedure can efficiently direct both human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells to hepatocyte-like cells. The final population of cells demonstrates marker expression at the transcriptional and protein levels, as well as key hepatic functions such as serum protein production, glycogen storage, and cytochrome P450 activity.
Study Information
pubmed
2015
2015-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.04.001
179
59