Technology Information  Title ORGANOTYPIC CULTURES OF HEPATOCYTES WITH CELL PROLIFERATION AND LONG TERM STABLE GENE EXPRESSION Case Number 00338 Abstract A method is provided for long term culture of proliferating hepatocytes that retain hepatic function to produce a hepatic cell culture. Hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells are co-cultured ex vivo on a matrix coated with a molecule that promotes cell adhesion, proliferation or survival, in the presence of growth factors, resulting in a long-term culture of proliferating hepatocytes that retain hepatic function. The co-culturing method results in the formation of matrix/hepatic cell clusters that may be mixed with a second structured or scaffold matrix that provides a three-dimensional structural support to form structures analogous to liver tissue counterparts. The method can be used to form bio-articial livers through which a subjects blood is perfused. In an embodiment, the hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells are derived from disaggregated liver tissue and are co-cultured in the presence of epidermal growth factor or heptocyte growth factor and beads coated with extracellular matrix protein, Alternatively, the hepatic cell culture may be implanted into the body of a recipient host having a hepatic disorder. Such hepatic disorders, include, for example, cirrhosis of the liver, induced hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and alpha.sub.1 antitrypsin deficiency. Taxonomy Standard/Cell Culture Technologies/Biotechnology Standard/Other/By Organ/Regenerative Medicine Standard/Involving Cells/Technology Criteria/Regenerative Medicine UPITT Orgs (OTM)/Pathology/SCHOOL OF MEDICINE/School of Med Division Keywords cell culture, bowen, michelopoulos, hepatic Technology Manager Michelle Booden 412-648-2220 mab217@pitt.edu  Web Links  Name Description Open Link US Patent 6,737,270 Long-term three dimensional tissue culture system Open Link Request Information If you are a registered user, please login before requesting information by clicking the Login button. If you have not registered, click the Login button for registration information.