LAUSR

Despite the rising prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the underlying disease pathophysiology remains unclear. The need is great for an efficient and reliable 'human' in vitro model to study NAFLD and the progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which will soon become the leading indication for liver transplantation. Here, we review the recent developments in the use of 3D liver organoids as a model to study NAFLD and NASH pathophysiology and possible treatments. Various techniques that are currently used to make liver organoids are discussed, such as the use of induced pluripotent stem cells vs. primary cell lines and human vs. murine cells. Moreover, methods for inducing lipid droplet accumulation and fibrosis to model NAFLD are explored. Finally, the limitations specific to the 3D organoid model for NAFLD/NASH are reviewed, highlighting the need for further development of multilineage models to include hepatic nonparenchymal cells and immune cells. The ultimate goal is to be able to accurately recapitulate the complex liver microenvironment in which NAFLD develops and progresses to NASH.