Building in vitro models for mechanistic understanding of liver regeneration in chronic liver diseases

Abstract

Liver has excellent regeneration potential and attains complete functional recovery from partial hepatectomy. The regenerative mechanisms malfunction in chronic liver diseases (CLD) and fuel disease progression. CLD account for 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Pathophysiological studies with clinical correlation have shown evidence of deviation of normal regenerative mechanisms and their contribution in fueling fibrosis and disease progression. However, we lack realistic in vitro models that can allow experimental manipulation for mechanistic understanding of liver regeneration in CLD and to test candidate drugs. In this review, we aim to provide the framework for building appropriate organotypic models for dissecting regenerative responses in CLD, with the focus on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By drawing parallels with development and hepatectomy, we explain the selection of critical components such as cells, signaling and substrate-driven biophysical cues to build an appropriate CLD model. We highlight the organoid-based organotypic models available for NASH disease modeling, including organ-on-a-chip and 3D bioprinted models. With the focus on bioprinting as the fabrication method, we prescribe building in vitro CLD models and testing schemes for exploring the regenerative responses in the bioprinted model.