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Insight to Biofabrication of Liver Microtissues for Disease Modeling: Challenges and Opportunities
Hengameh Dortaj1, Negar Azarpira2, Sara Pakbaz3
1Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract:
In the last decade, liver diseases with high mortality rates have become one of the most important health problems in the world. Organ transplantation is currently considered the most effective treatment for compensatory liver failure. An increasing number of patients and shortage of donors has led to the attention of reconstructive medicine methods researchers. The biggest challenge in the development of drugs effective in chronic liver disease is the lack of a suitable preclinical model that can mimic the microenvironment of liver problems. Organoid technology is a rapidly evolving field that enables researchers to reconstruct, evaluate, and manipulate intricate biological processes in vitro. These systems provide a biomimetic model for studying the intercellular interactions necessary for proper organ function and architecture in vivo. Liver organoids, formed by the self-assembly of hepatocytes, are microtissues and can exhibit specific liver characteristics for a long time in vitro. Hepatic organoids are identified as an impressive tool for evaluating potential cures and modeling liver diseases. Modeling various liver diseases, including tumors, fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver, etc., allows the study of the effects of various drugs on these diseases in personalized medicine. Here, we summarize the literature relating to the hepatic stem cell microenvironment and the formation of liver Organoids.
Insights
Liver organoids offer a promising preclinical model for studying liver diseases and drug efficacy. This technology aids in understanding liver function and developing personalized medicine approaches for complex hepatic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Hepatology
Background:
- Liver diseases pose significant global health challenges with high mortality rates.
- Organ transplantation is the primary treatment for liver failure, but donor shortages are critical.
- Developing effective treatments for chronic liver disease is hindered by the lack of suitable preclinical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the hepatic stem cell microenvironment.
- To explore the formation and application of liver organoids.
- To highlight liver organoids as a tool for disease modeling and drug evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on hepatic stem cell microenvironment research.
- Analysis of studies detailing liver organoid formation and characteristics.
- Synthesis of information on the use of organoids in disease modeling and drug screening.
Main Results:
- Organoid technology enables the reconstruction and study of liver biology in vitro.
- Liver organoids, derived from hepatocytes, mimic in vivo liver characteristics.
- These organoids serve as effective biomimetic models for studying liver diseases and drug responses.
Conclusions:
- Liver organoids represent a significant advancement in preclinical research for liver diseases.
- They facilitate the study of intercellular interactions crucial for liver function.
- Organoid technology supports personalized medicine by enabling tailored drug efficacy studies.
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