11 Jun 2012, BioSpectrum Bureau , BioSpectrum Singapore: A team
of scientists from Japan have created a functioning human liver
from stem cells, raising hopes of manufacturing artificial
organs for those in need of transplants. The researchers
transplanted induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into the body
of a mouse, where it grew into a small, functional, human liver.
The team, which was led by professor Hideki Taniguchi of the
Yokohama City University, developed human iPS cells into
precursor cells. These were then transplanted into a mouse's
head to take advantage of increased blood flow. The cells grew
into a human liver five millimetres (0.2 inches) in size and
were capable of generating human proteins and breaking down
drugs. The research, which could be an important breakthrough
for artificially creating human organs, faces various challenges
before it can be put into medical practice. While stem cells are
harvested from embryos, iPS cells, which have the potential to
develop into any body tissue, can