The Vascular Biology laboratory has developed liver organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC). At this stage, they contain hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and endothelial cells. As a next step, various aspects of advancement of this technology are available, suitable for an Honours project. This includes the characterisation of bile ducts produced within organoids, or the incorporation of additional elements, including liver-specific stromal cells (stellate cells) and immune cells (macrophages), all derived from hiPSC.
Techniques used include stem cell and organoid culture, histology, microscopy, and molecular biology methods (ELISA, qPCR). Transplantation experiments into animals (involving surgery) may be performed, not necessarily by the student.
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Available for Student Supervision