Multiple studies have demonstrated the great potential of iPSC as a next-generation in vitro liver disease modeling tool. Creative Bioarray is dedicated to modeling liver disease using iPSC-derived hepatocytes to help clients better understand the molecular and cellular pathobiological mechanisms leading to liver diseases.
iPSC for Modeling Liver Disease
The liver is the target of several diseases due to its complexity and its central homeostatic role. The liver disease severely affects the quality of life and survival of patients, and liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage liver failure. Although scientists have recently made large advances in the study and treatment of many liver diseases, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver development and pathogenesis to provide more effective therapeutic approaches remains a challenging task. Currently developed hepatocytes and animal models have contributed greatly to the study of liver development and pathogenesis, but they still have multiple limitations.
Recent technological advances in the stem cell field have demonstrated that iPSC hepatocytes from different genetic backgrounds are promising for disease modeling and studying disease phenotypes. Currently, inherited metabolic disorders including glycogen storage disease type 1a, familial hypercholesterolemia, Wilson disease, and α1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD) have been modeled using disease-specific iPSC lines. In addition, advances in precision genetic engineering techniques have provided a new tool for genetic correction and reverse genetic engineering of disease-causing genotypes in pluripotent stem cells. In conclusion, the field of iPSC-based disease modeling is rapidly evolving.
Fig.1 Generation of liver cells from iPSC and liver organoids and their applications. (Fiorotto, 2019)
Our Solutions
Our researchers work to develop iPSC-based models of liver disease to help our clients uncover the regulatory mechanisms behind liver development and the basis of congenital disease. We offer the following solutions to our clients:
- Liver differentiation of iPSC in vitro.
- Modeling disease using patient-derived iPSC differentiated to the liver lineage.
- High-throughput screening using iPSC-derived hepatocytes.
- Using engineering iPSC with CRISPR-Cas9 to develop models for studying and treating rare liver diseases.
Applications
- Investigation of genetic liver disorders in vitro
- Evaluation of drug interaction and drug metabolism
- Assessment of the efficacy of cell therapies
Advantages
- Multiple advanced technology platforms
- Professional R&D teams
- Strict quality control
- Highly flexible modeling strategies
Over the years, Creative Bioarray has made many efforts and has had considerable success in finding in vitro systems to mimic liver physiology and pathophysiology. We provide scientific assistance for our clients to generate patient-specific iPSC lines and open up new avenues for personalized medicine. If you need our services, please contact us directly.
Reference
- Fiorotto, R.; et al. Liver diseases in the dish: iPSC and organoids as a new approach to modeling liver diseases. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Basis of Disease. 2019, 1865(5): 920-928.