Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are highly specialised endothelial cells that form the wall of liver sinusoids and act as a barrier regulating the passage of substances between the bloodstream and liver tissue. They are the interface between blood cells on one side and hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells on the other.
LSECs represent approximately 15-20 % of liver cells, the predominant non-parenchymal cell type. They regulate blood flow, nutrient exchange, immune responses, and fibrosis.
These relevant functions should be enough to consider their inclusion in your hepatic model, but if you still need convincing, keep reading to discover their significant research uses.
Liver regeneration studies
LSECs play a significant role in liver regeneration after acute injury. After resections, LSECs can sense changes in shear stress, proliferate, and orchestrate the regeneration of different cell types by interacting with sinusoidal progenitor cells, platelets, and inflammatory cells.
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells control the secretion of cytokines and growth factors such as the hepatocyte one, inducing the proliferation of these cells. This highlights their role in synchronising the activity of parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells needed for liver regeneration.
In vitro toxicity testing
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells participate in the metabolism and detoxification of drugs and xenobiotics by expressing various drug-metabolising enzymes.
Their inclusion in hepatic models for in vitro testing is necessary to reproduce the complex interplay among different cell types coexisting in the organ. Their presence enables the development of sophisticated liver models, incorporating hepatic-like environments and co-cultures. These models play a vital role in providing accurate predictive responses for drug screenings.
Clearance of pathogens and macromolecules
LSECs can be used to study the clearance of pathogens and macromolecules. This activity is facilitated by fenestrae and a unique structure lacking a basement membrane, which enhances their permeability. The expression of scavenger receptors and the most potent endocytic capacity in the body also help them in the task. LSECs clear waste from the blood, including soluble macromolecules, virus particles, or modified LDL cholesterol. In combination with Kupffer cells, LSECs constitute a powerful scavenger system.
BeCytes, your expert partner for cell sourcing
Continuing to investigate the biology and functions of these cells is crucial to advance our understanding of liver physiology and to develop targeted therapies for liver diseases. At BeCytes, they are committed to connecting global health challenges with researchers’ needs by providing primary cells and tissue sourcing services.
Their human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, distributed together with liver endothelial cells (LECs), are produced under rigorous QC standards and supplied with:
- Demographic and clinical donor profile
- Viability and morphology assessment
- Characterisation by using specific expression markers
- Specific COA with culture and maintenance protocols
- Specific LSECs media
References
- Lafoz E, Ruart M, Anton A, Oncins A, Hernández-Gea V. The Endothelium as a Driver of Liver Fibrosis and Regeneration. Cells. 2020;9(4):929.
- Poisson J, Lemoinne S, Boulanger C, Durand F, Moreau R, Valla D, et al. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells: Physiology and role in liver diseases. J Hepatol. 2017;66(1):212-27.
- Shetty S, Lalor PF, Adams DH. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells — gatekeepers of hepatic immunity. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2018;15(9):555-67.
Originally posted by BeCytes Biotechnologies on: https://becytes.com/liver-sinusoidal-endothelial-cells-upgrade-research/
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