Drug Metabolism of Hepatocyte-like Organoids and Their Applicability in In Vitro Toxicity Testing

Manon C. Bouwmeester, Yu Tao, Susana Proença, Frank G. van Steenbeek, Roos Anne Samsom, Sandra M. Nijmeijer, Theo Sinnige, Luc J.W. van der Laan, Juliette Legler, Kerstin Schneeberger, Nynke I. Kramer, Bart Spee*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Emerging advances in the field of in vitro toxicity testing attempt to meet the need for reliable human-based safety assessment in drug development. Intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ICOs) are described as a donor-derived in vitro model for disease modelling and regenerative medicine. Here, we explored the potential of hepatocyte-like ICOs (HL-ICOs) in in vitro toxicity testing by exploring the expression and activity of genes involved in drug metabolism, a key determinant in drug-induced toxicity, and the exposure of HL-ICOs to well-known hepatotoxicants. The current state of drug metabolism in HL-ICOs showed levels comparable to those of PHHs and HepaRGs for CYP3A4; however, other enzymes, such as CYP2B6 and CYP2D6, were expressed at lower levels. Additionally, EC50 values were determined in HL-ICOs for acetaminophen (24.0–26.8 mM), diclofenac (475.5–>500 µM), perhexiline (9.7–>31.5 µM), troglitazone (23.1–90.8 µM), and valproic acid (>10 mM). Exposure to the hepatotoxicants showed EC50s in HL-ICOs comparable to those in PHHs and HepaRGs; however, for acetaminophen exposure, HL-ICOs were less sensitive. Further elucidation of enzyme and transporter activity in drug metabolism in HL-ICOs and exposure to a more extensive compound set are needed to accurately define the potential of HL-ICOs in in vitro toxicity testing.

Original languageEnglish
Article number621
JournalMolecules
Volume28
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2023

Keywords

  • drug-induced liver injury
  • hepatic in vitro model
  • hepatocyte-like cells
  • hepatotoxicity
  • intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids

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