Whole Organ Liver Decellularization for the Regeneration of Liver Grafts

There is an increase in indications for liver transplantation and accordingly the need for organs is increasing (www.scandiatransplant.org). One emerging indication is liver transplantation for metastatic nonresectable colorectal cancer. A study from Norway has shown a survival benefit in patients with metastatic nonresectable colorectal cancer who undergo liver transplantation compared to standard chemotherapy (1). Moreover, the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing worldwide, which can progress to cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (2). The main goal of this project is to create a functional liver with the use of biotechnology. The approach will be decellularize livers and thereafter recellularizing the remaining scaffold (3). The recellularization will be with either stem cells or genetically modified liver cells. References: 1. Dueland S et al. Is Liver Transplantation an Option in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Nonresectable Liver Metastases and Progression on All Lines of Standard Chemotherapy? Ann Surg Oncol 2015;22:2195-2200. 2. Doycheva I et al. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents and young adults: The next frontier in the epidemic. Hepatology 2017;65:2100-2109. 3. Hassanein W et al. Recellularization via the bile duct supports functional allogenic and xenogenic cell growth on a decellularized rat liver scaffold. Organogenesis 2017;13:16-27.