Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
07:22
Generating Kidney Organoids in Suspension from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: September 1, 2023
A simple suspension culture method for generating human iPSC-derived liver organoids
Ryosuke Morozumi1, Mawo Kinoshita1, Ryo Takahashi1,2,3
1Division of Genome Safety Science, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 210-9501, Japan.
Biology Methods & Protocols
|July 12, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a simple method to create human liver organoids (HLOs) from stem cells. These HLOs maintain liver function longer than other models, offering a scalable solution for drug testing and disease research.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Hepatology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Standard 2D liver models lack metabolic function.
- Primary hepatocytes face availability and stability issues.
- Existing 3D liver models require complex scaffolds or equipment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, scalable method for generating human liver organoids (HLOs).
- To create HLOs with sustained metabolic competence for in vitro applications.
- To overcome limitations of current human liver models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a suspension culture technique for human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).
- Generated HLOs without exogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds.
- Analyzed HLOs using RNA-seq, albumin secretion assays, and immunostaining.
Main Results:
- HLOs exhibited stable albumin secretion and hepatic gene expression.
- Cytochrome P450 3A4 activity remained stable over extended culture periods.
- Organoids showed hepatocyte-like populations and structural integrity.
Conclusions:
- The suspension culture method provides a scalable and accessible way to generate functional HLOs.
- These HLOs offer sustained hepatic functionality for in vitro research.
- This platform supports broader applications in drug screening and disease modeling.
