The Science of Liver Health: From Fibrosis to Cell Line Authentication

In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Professor Ralf Weiskirchen, a leading expert in liver diseases and head of the Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry at RWTH University Hospital Aachen. They delve into the complexities of liver fibrosis, discussing its various causes, including alcohol, viral hepatitis, and genetic diseases. Professor Weiskirchen explains the biochemical processes behind liver fibrosis and the potential for reversing the condition through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.

The conversation also covers the importance of biomarkers for early diagnosis and risk stratification, as well as the promising advancements in gene therapy and CRISPR technology for treating liver diseases. Additionally, they explore the shift towards non-animal models for liver disease research, emphasizing the ethical and practical benefits of using cell lines and organoid models.

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the critical issue of cell line authentication in research. Professor Weiskirchen highlights the prevalence of misidentified cell lines and the impact this has on scientific reproducibility. He advocates for stringent authentication practices, such as STR profiling and NGS sequencing, to ensure the integrity of research data.