In vivo selection of transduced hematopoietic stem cells and little evidence of their conversion into hepatocytes in vivo

Background/Aims FMEV-type retroviral vector provides high transgene expression in hepatocytes and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here, we examined whether these vectors could provide a sufficient drug-resistance gene expression in HSCs and whether transduced HSCs could differentiate into hepatocytes in vivo. Methods The CD45+/Lin− cells were transduced in vitro by FMEV-type vectors containing human O6-methylguanine–DNA methyltransferase (MGMT)/reporter genes and transferred into recipient mice. After the treatment with temozolomide and O6-benzylguanine (TMZ/BG) in vivo, we analyzed the transgene expression in peripheral blood cells by flow-cytometry. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the liver slices in partial hepatectomized recipient mice. Results After TMZ/BG treatment, transduced host cells were enriched in recipient mice. In the liver, we observed the efficient transgene expression in many small cells along sinusoids. However, only few large cells in hepatic lobules expressed albumin. They also expressed both a transgene and a recipient marker gene, suggesting the fusion of donor HSCs with recipient hepatocytes. Conclusions This vector expressed a drug-resistance gene in HSCs highly enough to protect them from the drugs. But, the conversion of HSCs into hepatocytes in vivo might be a rare event in this model.