Elke Ober, PhD
University of Copenhagen, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology

Building an organ: From progenitors to a functional liver architecture
The many essential functions of the liver are mediated by its characteristic tissue architecture. Hepatocytes exhibit a distinct apico-basal polarity, aligning with their basal side along blood vessels, while canaliculi form apically and connect hepatocytes to the terminal branches of the biliary network. It is poorly understood how liver progenitors self-organize in vivo to establish the functional 3D tissue organization during development. We employ the transparency of zebrafish embryos and live-imaging to capture the cell behaviors and tissue interactions driving this transition. We find that differentiating hepatocytes are surprisingly dynamic and undergo a sequence of cellular events essential for the establishment of a functional hepato-biliary ductal network. Our analyses also reveal novel modes of cell-cell communication between different hepatic cell types, employing specialized cell protrusions. In this seminar, I will present the latest results of hepatocytes connecting to the biliary system, as well as how the biliary system connects to the intestine via maturation of the extrahepatic ducts. Such insights will aid generating 3D functional hepatic architecture by tissue engineering approaches and further our understanding of congenital bile duct abnormalities.

After the seminar, there will be an opportunity for faculty and trainees to interact with the speaker in a small group setting. Please email Lisa McNichol if you want to participate.

Host: Holger Willenbring, MD, PhD

ZOOM LINK