Location matters: cellular heterogeneity in the hepatic lobule and hepatocellular carcinoma

Impact of heterogeneity in liver matrix and intrahepatic cells on the progression of hepatic fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a disease with a high prevalence worldwide. The development of hepatic fibrosis results from a combination of factors within the liver, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, collagen cross-linking, and inflammatory response. Heterogeneity in fibrotic liver is the result of a combination of heterogeneity in the intrahepatic microenvironment as well as heterogeneous expression of fibrosis-associated enzymes and cells, complicating the study of the mechanisms underlying the progression of liver fibrosis. The role of this heterogeneity on the crosstalk between cells and matrix and on the fibrotic process is worth exploring. In this paper, we will describe the phenomenon and mechanism of heterogeneity of liver matrix and intrahepatic cells in the process of hepatic fibrosis and discuss the crosstalk between heterogeneous factors on the development of fibrosis. The elucidation of heterogeneity is important for a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms of liver fibrosis as well as for clinical diagnosis and targeted therapies.

Compartmentalization, cooperation, and communication: The 3Cs of Hepatocyte zonation

The unique architecture of the liver allows for spatial compartmentalization of its functions, also known as liver zonation. In contrast to organelles and cells, this compartment is devoid of a surrounding membrane, rendering traditional biochemical tools ineffective for studying liver zonation. Recent advancements in tissue imaging and single-cell technologies have provided new insights into the complexity of tissue organization, rich cellular composition, and the gradients that shape zonation. Hepatocyte gene expression profiles and metabolic programs differ based on their location. Non-parenchymal cells further support hepatocytes from different zones through local secretion of factors that instruct hepatocyte activities. Collectively, these elements form a cohesive and dynamic network of cell-cell interactions that vary across space, time, and disease states. This review will examine the cell biology of hepatocytes in vivo, presenting the latest discoveries and emerging principles that govern tissue-level and sub-cellular compartmentalization.

A review of innovative electrochemical strategies for bioactive molecule detection and cell imaging: Current advances and challenges

Cellular heterogeneity poses a major challenge for tumor theranostics, requiring high-resolution intercellular bioanalysis strategies. Over the past decades, the advantages of electrochemical analysis, such as high sensitivity, good spatio-temporal resolution, and ease of use, have made it the preferred method to uncover cellular differences. To inspire more creative research, herein, we highlight seminal works in electrochemical techniques for biomolecule analysis and bioimaging. Specifically, micro/nano-electrode-based electrochemical techniques enable real-time quantitative analysis of electroactive substances relevant to life processes in the micro-nanostructure of cells and tissues. Nanopore-based technique plays a vital role in biosensing by utilizing nanoscale pores to achieve high-precision detection and analysis of biomolecules with exceptional sensitivity and single-molecule resolution. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technology is utilized for real-time monitoring of the behavior and features of individual cancer cells, enabling observation of their dynamic processes due to its capability of providing high-resolution and highly sensitive bioimaging of cells. Particularly, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) which are widely used in real-time observation of cell surface biological processes and three-dimensional imaging of micro-nano structures, such as metabolic activity, ion channel activity, and cell morphology are introduced in this review. Furthermore, the expansion of the scope of cellular electrochemistry research by innovative functionalized electrodes and electrochemical imaging models and strategies to address future challenges and potential applications is also discussed in this review.