What's Happening?
Researchers at the Wyss Institute, in collaboration with Boston University and MIT, have developed a novel approach to grow liver tissue in the body using synthetic biology and tissue engineering. The
initiative, led by Christopher Chen and Sangeeta Bhatia, aims to implant small-scale liver constructs that can expand in the body post-engraftment. This method, named BOOST, involves rewiring gene expression in liver hepatocytes and fibroblast cells to trigger tissue growth after implantation. The research, published in Science Advances, demonstrates the potential to relieve metabolic burdens in damaged livers and bridge the gap until a transplant is available. The team successfully induced growth in engineered liver tissues implanted in mice, showing a significant increase in proliferation without adverse effects.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it addresses the critical shortage of donor livers for transplantation. By enabling the growth of liver tissue in situ, the BOOST strategy could provide a viable alternative to organ transplants, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden on transplant waiting lists. The approach also offers a new direction for cell therapy scale-up, which could be applied to other organs, such as the heart or pancreas, addressing various diseases. The ability to control tissue growth non-surgically could revolutionize treatment options for patients with end-stage organ failure, making therapies more accessible and reducing healthcare costs associated with organ transplants.
What's Next?
The research team plans to explore the capacity of BOOSTed liver tissue to rescue hosts in cases of liver injury. Future studies will focus on refining the technique to enhance the functionality of the expanded liver tissue and potentially apply the BOOST strategy to other engineered tissue therapeutics. The ultimate goal is to develop 'smart' tissue therapeutics that can be scaled according to patient needs, offering treatment for numerous previously incurable diseases.
