Organ-on-chip technology to recapitulate a functional liver sinusoid in vitro : progress and challenges

Abstract : In the current aim to develop in vitro models restoring the correct pathophysiological phenotypes of in vivo native tissues, the organ-on-chip technology is very promising. It allows combining crucial biological cues responsible for the function and fate of organs at both cellular and tissular levels, thanks to the integration of signals from multicellularity, circulating biochemicals and mechanical stimuli that are constantly impacting the cells. We will focus on a particularly challenging case of the liver sinusoid, showing how the field has recently progressed and how our current work integrating the mechanical cues could help progressing in understanding the physiology of such a very complex microenvironment.