We're excited to share insights from a recent collaborative study where Luminicell’s Cellaris™ fluorescent probes, in combination with Celvivo’s ClinoStar® incubator, enabled the development and visualization of a 3D in vitro fibrotic liver model. This advanced culture system closely mimics in vivo-like conditions, supporting long-term, physiologically relevant studies in liver research.
Experimental brief
1. Hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were labeled with Cellaris™ 670 (red) and Cellaris™ 540 (green), respectively.
2. The labeled cells were co-cultured to form multicellular spheroids.
3. Fluorescence imaging was performed on days 1, 3, and 7 to monitor spheroid maturation and spatial organization.
Key Findings
In the liver, HSCs typically remain quiescent unless activated by injury or inflammation. In this study, the 3D spheroid model retained this behavior: HSCs remained localized to the spheroid core with stable green fluorescence, indicating quiescence. Meanwhile, the hepatocyte population expanded outward, with red fluorescence intensifying over time, which is an evidence of active proliferation. This spatial and behavioral pattern mirrors natural liver tissue organization and supports the physiological relevance of the model.
Why Cellaris?
In experimental designs where gene expression and cell signaling pathways are tightly regulated, particularly in systems that involve fluorescent fusion proteins or genetic modifications. Introducing transfection therefore can introduce unwanted variability. For researchers working with delicate signaling environments, reducing these variables is critical.
Cellaris™ provides a reliable solution: a transfection-free fluorescent marker that does not interfere with gene expression or endogenous signaling, lasts for several cell generations and has zero cross-talk between cells.
Cellaris Enabled
- Transfection-free labeling with no interference in endogenous signaling
- Clear visualization of spheroid architecture over time
- Bright and stable fluorescence with no crosstalk
Special thanks to Karoline Mikkelsen for her expert execution of the experiments and data sharing.
Check the study results to learn more.
