Research

Cell & Tissue Architecture lab

Segovia’s lab is developing a quantitative understanding of 3D liver tissue structure by generating 3D reconstructions of liver tissue with sub-cellular resolution. Besides studying the role of basic cellular processes in shaping tissue architecture, we are also interested in translating this technology to better understand human pathophysiology.

Cell and tissue architecture

We are constantly implementing new tools to improve the 3D geometrical models of liver tissue so that they become more accurate and integrate more liver tissue components simultaneously.

Liver regeneration

Liver tissue also provides an excellent experimental setup to study the crosstalk of multiple cell types (hepatocytes, HSC, endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells) while the tissue grows. Liver tissue growth/regeneration can be massively triggered through partial surgical resection of the organ. In vertebrates, the liver has the remarkable capacity to regenerate up to 90 % of its mass after resection, recovering the original mass just in 7 days. We are using this model system to determine the architectural hallmarks of liver regeneration.

Liver cancer

We are also interested in understanding how liver tissue architecture evolves during the progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma. We expect to generate a structural atlas of this process that serves as a reference guide to studying liver pathology.

Generating educational tools

In a collaborative and multidisciplinary effort with Pamela Guevara (faculty member of the Electrical Engineering Department, University of Concepcion), we are generating an interactive and educational website based on WebGL technology to allow students and the general public to interact with our 3D reconstructions of liver tissue.

Techniques

His lab has a solid expertise in several techniques such as deep tissue imaging (immunostaining and tissue optical clearing), microscopy (two-photon, light sheet, intravital), 3D image analysis, in vivo siRNA delivery (knock down) and 2/3 partial hepatectomy.