Optimizing Human Hepatic Organoid Development: Leveraging iPSC Differentiation

Overview

The increasing demand for species-specific and physiologically relevant systems, in disease and development research, has catalyzed the expansion of 3D models, particularly organoids. These biologically accurate tissue models are essential for understanding complex biological processes but can be costly and time-consuming to produce. Therefore, efficient and reliable methods for their development, monitoring, and characterization are crucial.

Stem cells have emerged as a powerful tool in both laboratory and clinical research, serving as models for a wide array of diseases and therapeutic developments. Among these, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are particularly noteworthy. The differentiation of iPSCs into somatic tissues requires specific conditions tailored to the desired tissue type.

We present a simple, standardized, and robust workflow, where human iPSCs were successfully differentiated into hepatocytes using three distinct media types, each supplemented with specific cytokines and growth factors at critical stages of differentiation. This approach provided a relatively straightforward method for producing mature hepatic cells, which could then be utilized to generate human hepatic organoids. This method demonstrated a robust strategy for unlimited organoid development.

This workflow employed Sartorius RUO Growth Factors and Cytokines, in conjunction with the the iQue^® High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Cytometry Platform and an Incucyte^® Live-Cell Analysis System. This integrated approach facilitates the phenotypic characterization and monitoring of growth, simplifying the generation of functional hepatic cells and organoids from iPSCs. These organoids are invaluable for drug discovery, development, and toxicity studies.

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• Document type: Video
• Watch time: 21 minutes