Ex Vivo Tools and Models in MASLD Research

Overview

Journal Cells

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Biophysics
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Nov 27

PMID 39594577

Authors

Rallia-Iliana Velliou

Eirini Giannousi

Christiana Ralliou

Eva Kassi

Antonios Chatzigeorgiou

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) presents a growing global health challenge with limited therapeutic choices. This review delves into the array of ex vivo tools and models utilized in MASLD research, encompassing liver-on-a-chip (LoC) systems, organoid-derived tissue-like structures, and human precision-cut liver slice (PCLS) systems. Given the urgent need to comprehend MASLD pathophysiology and identify novel therapeutic targets, this paper aims to shed light on the pivotal role of advanced ex vivo models in enhancing disease understanding and facilitating the development of potential therapies. Despite challenges posed by the elusive disease mechanism, these innovative methodologies offer promise in reducing the utilization of in vivo models for MASLD research while accelerating drug discovery and biomarker identification, thereby addressing critical unmet clinical needs.

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