Many of the limitations of cellular and animal models of liver disease can be overcome by using human precision cut liver slices and liver organoid cultures. These cutting-edge 3D models can recapitulate the complex multi-cellular pathways involved in liver injury and disease progression. In this Basic Science EASL school, each participant will receive hands-on practical training in the preparation, culture and characterisation of precision cut liver slices. Each participant will directly derive liver organoids from liver tissue and foetal liver tissue. We will train participants in small groups of 6 persons, allowing each delegate to perform these techniques individually. Further to this, each participant will walk away with the ability to induce steatosis, injury, inflammation and fibrosis in the slices and the capability to perform microscopic evaluation of both slices and organoids.

In addition, multiple breakout sessions with interactive discussions will allow delegates to explore the full potential of these models to mimic in vivo disease pathways and their applicability for the pre-clinical evaluation of therapeutic agents. To prepare for the workshop, we will provide a course book as well as relevant literature. In addition, the participants will be asked to submit in advance a short abstract of their own research and potential use of the 3D experimental models to receive detailed project-specific feedback including practical tips to achieve their aims. In a ‘Speed’ networking event, delegates will also have the opportunity to discuss their projects further with the entire Faculty.

School organisers: Shilpa Chokshi, Elena Palma, and Luca Urbani.

• Prepare and culture precision cut liver slices (PCLS) (and tumour) using dynamic culture.
• Derive, culture and expand organoid cultures from liver explants and foetal liver.
• Induce and characterise inflammation, fibrosis, alcohol-related and drug-induced liver injury in PCLS.
• Perform viability, stiffness and microscopic evaluations of PCLS and organoids, and learn how to process them for multi-omics analyses.
• Grasp the applicability, advantages and limitations of PCLS versus organoids as models of disease and as platforms for pre-clinical drug-testing.

• MD/PhD students/Post-doctoral fellows.
• Trainees and Fellows performing basic translational research.
• Hepatologists/Oncologists/Clinical and Translational Scientists.

• Hands-on experience of preparing precision cut liver slices and learning how to recapitulate and monitor injury, inflammation, steatosis and fibrosis.
• Practical experience in liver organoid derivation, expansion and characterisation.
• Development of projects utilising these cutting-edge 3D models and opportunity to discuss pitfalls and successful approaches with the Faculty.