The contributions of mesoderm-derived cells in liver development

•The liver consists of endoderm-derived hepatobiliary lineages and various mesoderm-derived cells.•The development of mesoderm-derived cells in the liver is precisely regulated.•Liver development involves tight interaction with mesoderm-derived cells.•Multiple signaling pathways secreted from mesoderm-derived cells regulate liver development.•Mesoderm-derived cells actively participate in hepatocyte-like cell induction in vitro.