Through the Hepatic Lens

What appears to be a pair of sunglasses is in fact a molecular portrait of a mouse liver captured using spatial transcriptomics – a pioneering technology that maps gene activity within individual cells.

The blue ‘glasses’ are portal veins, while the yellow ‘holes’ are central veins. Together, these form a major part of the liver’s intricate network of blood vessels.

Researchers are using this technology to explore how iron-regulatory genes are distributed and differ across the liver.

Iron is critical for life, helping carry oxygen around the body. Too much or too little iron can contribute to a range of diseases, including liver damage and heart failure. These insights could help uncover new pathways and therapeutic targets to better regulate iron in our bodies.

• Anne Pettikiriarachchi
• Cavan Bennett
• Phil Arandjelovic