Advancements in Liver Organoid Technology for Drug Screening: Progressing from Innovations to Clinical Applications
LI Xingxing, LI Liang*
The liver is integral to drug metabolism and toxicity evaluation. Traditional models, such as primary liver cells and animal models, are widely used but have notable limitations in replicating the human liver’s complex responses to diverse stressors. In contrast, liver organoids, derived from human embryonic stem cells, so matic stem cells, and primary cells or tissues, can emulate various liver cell types, essential physiological functions, and structural characteristics, offering distinct advantages in screening effective drugs. This article provides an indepth examination of the latest advancements in liver organoids for drug screening, focusing on innovations in organoid construction, culture methodologies, and drug screening technologies. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the application of liver organoids in drug screening, with a focus on key breakthroughs in organoid culture techniques and drug screening strategies. It further explores their current applications in drug screening and provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges and future opportunities in clinical translation, aiming to offer a comprehensive theoretical reference and practical guidance for ongoing research and clinical implementation in this field. Despite the significant advancements in liver organoid construction and its application in drug screening, challenges remain in standardization, cost-effectiveness, and ethics regulation.
CN
EN