Highly efficient SiRNA and gene transfer into hepatocyte-like HepaRG cells and primary human hepatocytes: new means for drug metabolism and toxicity studies

Methods Mol Biol. 2013:987:295-314. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-321-3_25.

Abstract

The metabolically competent hepatocyte-like human HepaRG cells represent a suitable alternative in vitro cell model to human primary hepatocytes. Here, we describe the culture procedure required to expand progenitor HepaRG cells and to differentiate them into hepatocyte-like cells. Transient transfection of gene and siRNA into cultured cells, using nonviral strategies, is an invaluable technique to decipher gene functions. In this chapter, we detail transfection protocols for efficient transfer of plasmid DNA or siRNAs into proliferating progenitor or quiescent differentiated HepaRG cells as well as into primary hepatocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Electroporation
  • Hepatocytes / cytology
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Indicators and Reagents / chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Transfection / methods*

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • RNA, Small Interfering