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# Liver Cell Biology Research Group(LIVR)

Brussels Health Campus • Vrije Universiteit Brussel • Brussels • Belgium


## Mission
Advance understanding of liver cell diversity, regeneration and fibrosis to drive novel biomarkers, in vitro disease models and therapeutic strategies for chronic liver disorders.

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## Research Objectives
- **Cellular Characterization**  
  Profile healthy vs. diseased liver cell types at single‑cell resolution.  
- **Fibrosis Mechanisms**  
  Dissect pathways of hepatic stellate cell activation, fibrogenesis and resolution.  
- **Biomarker Discovery**  
  Identify stellate‑cell‑specific markers for non‑invasive fibrosis staging.  
- **Disease Modeling**  
  Build iPSC‑derived liver cell co‑cultures and organoids to recreate MASLD and other chronic conditions.  
- **Regeneration & Progenitors**  
  Elucidate the role of liver progenitor cells in tissue repair.

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## Key Collaborations & Networks
- **ImAgE‑D** (Marie Skłodowska‑Curie ITN, Oct 2023 – Sep 2027)  
  High‑speed, super‑resolution imaging of endothelial and liver cells.  
- **DeLIVERy** (EIC Pathfinder, May 2022 – Apr 2026)  
  Personalized polypharmacy testing on patient‑derived mini‑livers.

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## Publications & Resources
- **Latest Publications**  
  - *JHEP Reports*: “HSC single‑cell atlas reveals activation across etiologies”  
  - *Biofabrication*: “iPSC‑derived liver spheroids to model fibrosis”  
  - *Science*: “Hippo signaling instructs ectopic organ growth”  
- **Full Publication List:**  
  Browse all [publications (2010–present)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=van+Grunsven+L&sort=date)
  Research Portal [Click here](https://researchportal.vub.be/en/organisations/liver-cell-biology/publications/).

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## Team & Training
- **Current Members** | **Former Members**  
  Explore profiles and roles on our [Team page](https://livr.research.vub.be/livr-members/livr-members).  
- **Doctoral & Post‑doc Training**  
  Interactive workshops, imaging courses, and 3R‑principle seminars for early‑career researchers.

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## News & Events
- **Belgian Stem Cell Meeting** – Nov 28 2025 @ ULB Erasme Campus  
- **Upcoming Seminars** & “Film Nights” showcasing 3R approaches and mini‑liver therapies  
- Follow live updates in [News & Events](https://livr.research.vub.be/news-events).

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## Contact
Laarbeeklaan 103, Building D – Room D022  
1090 Brussels, Belgium  
jmlazou@vub.be | +32 2 477 4409  


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> _“By unlocking liver cell biology, we pave the way for precision therapies in chronic liver disease.”_