Hepatocytes are anchorage-dependent cells sensitive to microenvironment; the control of the physicochemical properties of the extra-cellular matrices may be useful to the maintenance of hepatocyte functions in vitro for various applications. In a microcapsule-based 3-D hepatocyte culture microenvironment, we could control the physical properties of the collagen nano-fibres by fine-tuning the complex-coacervation reaction between methylated collagen and terpolymer of hydroxylethyl methacrylate-methyl methacrylate-methylacrylic acid. The physical properties of the nano-fibres were quantitatively characterized using back-scattering confocal microscopy to help optimize the physical support for hepatocyte functions. We further enhanced the chemical properties of the collagen nano-fibres by incorporating galactose onto collagen, which can specifically interact with the asialoglycoprotein receptor on hepatocytes. By correlating a range of collagen nano-fibres of different physicochemical properties with hepatocyte functions, we have identified a specific combination of methylated and galactosylated collagen nano-fibres optimal for maintaining hepatocyte functions in vitro. A model of how the physical and chemical supports interplay to maintain hepatocyte functions is discussed.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2004.08.017 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Role of the HGF/c-MET pathway in resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Cancer Immunol Immunother
January 2025
Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, EA 4340 BECCOH, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
Most of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients will experience tumor progression with immunotherapy (IO). Preliminary data suggested an association between high plasma HGF levels and poor response to IO in advanced NSCLC. Our study aimed to evaluate further the role of the HGF/MET pathway in resistance to IO in advanced NSCLC.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBasic Science and Pathogenesis.
Alzheimers Dement
December 2024
HuaShan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, Shanghai, China.
Background: To investigate the physiological clearance of circulating Aβ by the liver and its role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Method: Immunostaining, near-infrared imaging, and flow cytometry were used to explore the physiological clearance of Aβ by the liver and the impact of aging on Aβ clearance. Liver-specific LRP-1 knockdown and functional LRP-1 minigene (mLRP-1) expression in mice with AD were used to explore the effects of hepatic Aβ clearance on AD pathogenesis and treatment.
Basic Science and Pathogenesis.
Alzheimers Dement
December 2024
University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Fairway, KS, USA.
Background: Altered liver function and dysregulated metabolism are emerging risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). This includes genetic variation in apolipoprotein E (APOE), which is the strongest genetic risk determinant for AD. APOE is highly secreted by hepatocytes in the liver and astrocytes in the brain and plays a significant role in lipid homeostasis and metabolic function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWild-Type and rtA181T/sW172* Mutant Strains of Hepatitis B Virus Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis via Distinct GRP78-Mediated ER Stress Pathways.
J Med Virol
January 2025
Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), a key marker of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, but its role in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced tumorigenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of GRP78 to HBV-associated tumor development and explore the ERS pathways involved. The results showed that increased GRP78 expression in patients with HBV-related HCC was associated with a poor prognosis within the first 2 years following diagnosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHigh density of TCF1+ stem-like tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with favorable disease-specific survival in NSCLC.
Front Immunol
January 2025
Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
Introduction: Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are both prognostic and predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy response. However, less is known about the survival benefits oftheir subpopulations.
Methods: Using machine learning models, we assessed the clinical association of the CD8+, PD1+, TCF1+ cel l subset by multiplex immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays in 553 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and its correlation with other immune cell biomarkers.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!