Protocol for inducing branching morphogenesis in human cholangiocyte and cholangiocarcinoma organoids

Summary: Bile ducts are essential for bile transport and consist of complex branching tubular networks. Human patient-derived cholangiocyte develops a cystic rather than branching duct morphology. Here, we present a protocol to establish branching morphogenesis in cholangiocyte and cholangiocarcinoma organoids. We describe steps for the initiation, maintenance, and expansion of intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids branching morphology. This protocol enables the study of organ-specific and mesenchymal-independent branching morphogenesis and provides an improved model to study biliary function and diseases.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Roos et al. (2022).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.