iHepSCs show cuboidal morphology and maintain the self-renewal capacity in long-term culture.

Immunostaining assay revealed that iHepSCs maintain the protein expression of hepatic stem cell markers; Epcam, Hnf4α, Afp and Ck19.

iHepSC derived hepatocytes(iHepSC-HEPs) possess the glycogen storage properties and uptake of DiI-ac-LDL into the intracellular region. Also, iHepSC-HEPs exhibit detoxification function and albumin secretion. Cholangiocyte-like cells derived from iHepSC (iHepSC-CLCs) formed branching, tubular and round cystic structures and these structures uniformly expressed cholangiocyte specific markers; CK19 and F-actin. Rhodamine123 has been used to measure the activity of Mdr1, a cholangiocyte surface glycoprotein. iHepSCs can differentiate into cholangiocyte-like cells that have typical apical-basal polarity and secretory function.

The percentage of fibrotic areas significantly decreased after iHepSC transplantation in mouse liver fibrosis model. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of iHepSC-injected mice were similar to normal mice.