eLife assessment
The authors present an important study of a multi-cellular platform involving co-culturing of various hiPSC-derived hepatocyte like cells, cholangiocytes, stellate cells and macrophages to mimic the liver microenvironment. The aggregates are then treated with fatty acids and examined through transcriptomic and functional assays. The techniques and methodologically are sound, and the evidence supporting the conclusion is convincing, although more clinically relevant data demonstrating the effect of some potential pharmacological agents on the platform would serve to strengthen the study.