Importance of hepatogenic signals from endothelial cells for consequent maturation of biofabricated liver tissue

For differentiation of stem cells to hepatocytes and maintenance of hepatocyte phenotype and function in the engineered liver construct, interaction of hepatocyte with neighboring cells including endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells along with biomimetic extracellular matrix is crutial. Also, due to high metabolic requirements of the hepatocytes, vascularization of biofabricated tissue has great importance. In addition to the role of liver vascular bed as a nutrient and oxygen supplier, recent study emphasis on the role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells as a source of angiocrine factors. These angiocrine factors or hepatogenic cues from liver vascular niche could act as stimulator and regulator of liver regeneration. A great challenge for liver tissue engineering is developing three-dimensional vascularized tissue that could recapitulate the complex liver architecture. Thus, in liver tissue engineering, mimicking native anatomical structure and correct integration of endothelial cells to construct along with biomimetic biomaterials as an extracellular matrix is vital for various application ranging from drug screening to organ replacement therapy

Keywords:

Hepatogenic , Endothelial cells , Biofabricated live