We are interested in efficient differentiation of hiPSCs toward hepatocyte-like cells in large-scale, and using hiPSC-derived hepatocytes for regenerative medicine and drug assays.

Moreover, we propose that generating a liver organoid approach from hiPSCs or primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). We aim to improve the maturity of hiPSC-derived hepatocytes, also maintenance of PHHs using co-culture these cells with supportive cells in addition by liver-specific ECM-microparticles. These models will allow us to produce platforms for drug testing.

Furthermore, we are interested in using tissue engineering approaches to achieve regeneration medicine and in toxicological studies. This subgroup seeking to employ engineering tools in hepatic research for these purposes:
i. To engineer cardiac patches for repairing the injured liver
ii. To achieve engineered liver structures using hydrogel-drived from liver specific-ECM
iii. To construct a microfluidic device for medical applications
We are taking the advantage of 3D cultures using supportive cells and ECM hydrogel. Currently, in collaboration with experts in tissue engineering, we aim to establish a liver microfluidic platform. This approach will allow us to produce a platform for drug testing and toxicological studies.

Another area we are focusing is to use new therapeutics approaches to treat liver cancer. For radionuclide therapy of HCC, we aim to use hydrogel formula as a novel, inexpensive and safer form of Re-188 Lipiodol. Another aim of this subgroup is differentiation therapy for HCC using a natural compound, linoleic acid.

MSc student:

PhD student:

Selected Publications:

1. Generation of functional hepatocyte-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells in a scalable suspension culture. M Vosough, E Omidinia, M Kadivar, MA Shokrgozar, B Poumasr, … Stem cells and development 22 (20), 2693-2705
2. Cell-based therapeutics for  liver  disorders M Vosough, M Moslem, B Pournasr, H Baharvand British medical bulletin 100 (1), 157-172.
3. Clinical hepatocyte transplantation: practical limits and possible solutions. R Gramignoli, M Vosough, K Kannisto, RC Srinivasan, SC Strom European Surgical Research 54 (3-4), 162-177
4. Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to hepatocyte-like cells on a new developed xeno-free extracellular matrix. Z Farzaneh, M Pakzad, M Vosough, B Poumasr, H Baharvand. Histochemistry and cell biology 142 (2), 217-226
5. Rapid and sensitive assessment of human hepatocyte functions. R Gramignoli,V Tahan, K Dorko, R Venkataramanan, IJ Fox, E Ellis, … Cell transplantation 23 (12), 1545-1556
6. lntraportal Infusion of Bone Marrow Mononuclear or CD133+ Cells in Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis: A  Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. M Mohamadnejad, M Vosough, S Moossavi, S Nikfam, S Mardpour, … Stem cells translational medicine 5 (1), 87-94
7. Repeated lntraportal Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Combination with Pioglitazone in Patients with Compensated Cirrhosis: A Clinical Report of Two Cases. M Vosough, S Moossavi, S Mardpour, S Akhlaghpoor,V Azimian, … Archives of Iranian Medicine (AIM) 19 (2)
8. Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Cirrhosis. MA Mehdi Mohamadnejad, Massoud Vosough. Middle East Journal of Digestive Diseases (MEJDD) 4 (3), 145-149
9. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells for the study and treatment of liver diseases. MC Hansel, JC Davila, M Vosough, R Gramignoli, KJ Skvorak, K Dorko, … Current protocols in toxicology, 14.13. 1-14.13. 27
10. In vitro Generated Hepatocyte-like cells: a Novel Tool in Regenerative Medicine and Drug Discovery. K Zakikhan,B Pournasr, M Vosough, M Nassiri-Asl. Cell Journal 19 (2), 204
11. Efficient reprogramming of centenarian’s somatic cells, personalized geriatric medicine. M Vosough, R Gramignoli, K Kannisto, SC Strom Xenotransplantation 22, S95-S96
12. WHAT SHOULD PHYSICIANS KNOW IN CELL THERAPY OF LIVER DISEASES? MVOSOUGH, H BAHARVAND. ARCHIVES OF IRANIAN MEDICINE 14 (3),230-231