Next-Generation Hepatocyte Expansion: Bridging Molecular Reprogramming with Multicellular Organoids for Clinical Translation.

Abstract

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remains the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver disease but is severely limited by donor scarcity and immune rejection. Consequently, bioartificial liver (BAL) systems and hepatocyte transplantation have emerged as promising alternatives, yet their clinical efficacy hinges on the unresolved challenge of generating functional hepatocytes at scale. This review systematically examines the molecular landscape governing hepatocyte proliferation, dissecting the key regulatory roles of Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo-YAP, Notch, and TGF-β signaling pathways in balancing proliferation and differentiation. We critically evaluate current in vitro expansion strategies, contrasting viral-mediated genetic modification approaches with emerging non-genome-editing strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on "next-generation" methodologies, including chemically defined media, bioreactor-based dynamic cultures, and multicellular co-culture systems that recapitulate the native hepatic niche. Furthermore, we highlight recent breakthroughs in liver organoid technology-such as the construction of multi-zonal and vascularized architectures-that bridge the gap between in vitro expansion and in vivo physiological relevance. Finally, we summarize the translational progress of these expanded hepatocytes in BAL devices, cell transplantation trials, and high-fidelity pharmacotoxicological models. We further discuss how emerging technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene correction and bioengineering innovations, may help address current limitations, while acknowledging that substantial preclinical validation remains necessary.