Set-up of 3D spheroid models for studying NASH and liver cancer

Description

Human-based in vitro models are increasingly being used in the field of hepatology. In addition to the obvious ethical arguments, in vitro systems have a number of advantages over animal models, including reduction or even full omission of interspecies differences as well as the ability to perform mechanistic research at the molecular level in a well-controlled setting. Liver-based in vitro models can range from simple monolayer cultures of hepatocytes to liver-on-a-chip systems encompassing all liver cell types cultured in a 3D configuration on a microfluidic platform. In addition to primary cells and cell lines, such models can also be based on the use of stem cells. Liver-based in vitro models should be selected on a case-by-case basis and should fit the purpose of the research, which might go from fundamental to translational research. In this video, the set-up of 2 human-based 3D spheroid liver models for fundamental NASH and liver cancer research will be demonstrated.