Cell Biology Core Facility Services
Cell Biology Core
- San Francisco General Hospital
- 1001 Potrero Ave.
- Bldg 40, Room 4102
- San Francisco, CA 94110
- Campus map
For Consultation
Core Director
- Hal F. Yee, Jr., MD, PhD
- hyee@medsfgh.ucsf.edu
- Phone: (415) 206-4808
- Fax: (415) 641-0517
For Core Service
Staff Research Associate
-
Chris Her, BS
- herc@medsfgh.ucsf.edu
- Phone: (415) 206-4802
- Fax: (415) 641-0517
Hepatocyte isolation
Hepatocytes are isolated from mouse and rat liver by collagenase perfusion. Cells can be purified by density gradient centrifugation or centrifugal elutriation. Core personnel can advise on the method most appropriate for the investigator’s needs. Cells are suitable for use in suspension or can be plated in primary culture.
Non-parenchymal liver cell isolation
The Core prepares hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells from rats and mice. The procedure involves collagenase perfusion of the liver followed by a cell- and species-specific combination of purification steps. Cells are suitable for use in suspension or can be plated in primary culture.
Cell culture/media/matrix
Cells prepared by the Core can be plated in primary culture upon request. Hepatocytes are routinely plated on collagen-coated plastic; all other liver cells are plated on uncoated tissue culture plastic. Cells are plated in serum-containing medium unless otherwise specified. Specialized culture conditions (e.g., Permanox plates, Matrigel substratum) can be arranged with advance notice. Cultured cells are seeded for at least 2 h with one medium change before release to the investigator.
Models of liver injury
Core personnel can demonstrate and/or train investigators in survival surgery techniques such as bile duct ligation, partial hepatectomy and placement of osmotic infusion pumps. They can also advise and train investigators in the gavage or injection of specific compounds that induce liver disease.