Abstract: A microfluidic cell culture apparatus includes a cell retention chamber and a perfusion channel. The cell retention chamber has a structured surface. The structured surface includes a major surface from which a plurality of projections extends into the chamber. The plurality of projections are arranged to suspend cells cultured in the chamber above the major surface. The first perfusion channel is configured to provide laminar flow of a fluid through the channel and forms a plurality of openings in communication with the cell retention chamber. The openings are configured to prevent cells from the retention chamber from entering the perfusion channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a primary liver stem cell and a cell doublet consisting of a hepatocyte and the stem cell, both of which are derived from normal liver tissue. Methods of isolating the cells, genetically altering the cells, and using the cells for transplantation are also within the invention.

Abstract: A microfluidic cell culture apparatus includes a cell retention chamber and a perfusion channel. The cell retention chamber has a structured surface. The structured surface includes a major surface from which a plurality of projections extends into the chamber. The plurality of projections are arranged to suspend cells cultured in the chamber above the major surface. The first perfusion channel is configured to provide laminar flow of a fluid through the channel and forms a plurality of openings in communication with the cell retention chamber. The openings are configured to prevent cells from the retention chamber from entering the perfusion channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides substrates useful for culturing cells under low serum or serum free conditions. The substrates are useful for conducting cell-based assays where there is interference from serum proteins. Methods are also provided for using the substrates of the present invention as well as methods for making the substrates of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to virally-immortalized hepatocyte cell lines, which are derived from a normal primary human liver cell, have the ability to proliferate in a serum-free media, are nontumorigenic, and produce proteins. These cell lines can be used for toxicity testing of potential therapeutic drugs and chemical entities. The cell lines may also be used for the production of therapeutic plasma proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of proteins, including therapeutic plasma proteins, by virally-immortalized hepatocyte cell lines and by other eukaryotic cells, as well as to the use of such proteins for screening and therapy, as well as to nucleic acids, vectors, and transformed or transfected cells that carry the genetic information for proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides a primary liver stem cell and a cell doublet consisting of a hepatocyte and the stem cell, both of which are derived from normal liver tissue. Methods of isolating the cells, genetically altering the cells, and using the cells for transplantation are also within the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of isolating a primary liver stem cell by identifying a cell doublet containing a hepatocytes and the stem cell and isolating the doublet from liver tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a primary liver stem cell and a cell doublet consisting of a hepatocyte and the stem cell, both of which are derived from normal liver tissue. Methods of isolating the cells, genetically altering the cells, and using the cells for transplantation are also within the invention.