Genes and proteins show variable expression patterns throughout the human body. However, it is not clear whether relative differences in mRNA concentrations are retained on the protein level. Furthermore, inter-individual protein concentration variability within single tissue types has not been comprehensively explored. Here, we used the Gini index for in-depth concentration variability analysis of publicly available transcriptomics and proteomics data, and of an in-house proteomics dataset of human liver and jejunum from 38 donors. We found that the transfer of concentration variability from mRNA to protein is limited, that established ‘reference genes’ for data normalization vary markedly at the protein level, that protein concentrations cover a wide variability spectrum within single tissue types, and that concentration variability analysis can be a convenient starting point for identifying disease-associated proteins and novel biomarkers. Our results emphasize the importance of considering individual concentration levels, as opposed to population averages, for personalized systems biology analysis.

To reach the bloodstream, an orally administered drug must be absorbed through the small intestine and avoid extensive clearance in the liver. Estimating these parameters in vitro is therefore important in drug discovery and development. This can be achieved with cellular models that simulate human organ function, such as Caco-2 cells and primary hepatocytes. No model fits every scenario, however, and this thesis aimed at using proteomic and functional analysis to better understand and increase the applicability of in vitro models based on Caco-2 cells and human hepatocytes.

First, the proteome of filter-grown Caco-2 cells was analyzed. This included near-complete coverage of enterocyte-related proteins, and over 300 ADME proteins. Further, by scaling uptake transport kinetics from Caco-2 cells to human jejunum, the importance of considering in vitro­-in vivo expression differences to correctly interpret in vitro transport studies was demonstrated.

Focus was then turned to hepatocytes, where proteomics was used as a basis for the successful development of an apoptosis inhibition protocol for restoration of attachment properties and functionality in suboptimal batches of cryopreserved human hepatocytes. As a spin-off project, image-based quantification of cell debris was developed into a novel apoptosis detection method.

Next, the in vivo heterogeneity of human hepatocytes was explored in an in vitro setting, where it was observed that human hepatocyte batches contain a wide range of cell sizes. By separating the cells into different size fractions, it was found that hepatocyte size corresponds to the microarchitectural zone of origin in the liver. Size separation can thus be used to study zonated liver functions in vitro.

Finally, the proteomes of the major types of non-parenchymal liver cells were analyzed, i.e. liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells. The different cell types all had distinctly different proteomes, and the expression of certain important ADME proteins indicated that non-parenchymal cells participate in drug disposition.

In conclusion, this thesis has improved the phenotypic understanding and extended the applicability of Caco-2 cells and primary human hepatocytes, two of the most important in vitro models for studies of small intestinal and hepatic drug disposition.

Apoptosis is a controlled form of cell death that can be induced by various diseases and exogenous toxicants. Common apoptosis detection methods rely on fluorescent markers, which necessitates the use of costly reagents and time-consuming labeling procedures. Label-free methods avoid these problems, but often require specialized instruments instead. Here, we utilize apoptotic cell disintegration to develop a novel label-free detection method based on the quantification of subcellular debris particles in bright-field microscopy images. Debris counts show strong correlations with fluorescence-based annexin V staining, and can be used to study concentration-dependent and temporal apoptosis activation. The method is rapid, low-cost, and easy to apply, as the only experimental step comprises bright-field imaging of culture media samples, followed by automated image processing. The late-stage nature of the debris measurement means that the method can complement other, established apoptosis assays, and its accessibility will allow a wider community of researchers to study apoptotic cell death.

Primary human hepatocytes are used in all facets of liver research, from in vitro studies of xenobiotic disposition and toxicity to the clinical management of liver failure. Unfortunately, cellular stress during isolation and cryopreservation causes a highly unpredictable loss of the ability to attach and form cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. Reasoning that this problem could be mitigated at the post-thawing stage, we applied label-free quantitative global proteomics to analyze differences between attached and non-attached fractions of cryopreserved human hepatocyte batches. Hepatocytes that were unable to attach to a collagen matrix showed many signs of cellular stress, including a glycolytic phenotype and activation of the heat shock response, ultimately leading to apoptosis activation. Further analysis of the activated stress pathways revealed an increase in early apoptosis immediately post-thawing, which suggested the possibility of stress reversal. Therefore, we transiently treated the cells with compounds aimed at decreasing cellular stress via different mechanisms. Brief exposure to the pan-caspase apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK restored attachment ability and promoted a differentiated morphology, as well as formation of 3D spheroids. Further, Z-VAD-FMK treatment restored metabolic and transport functions, with maintained sensitivity to hepatotoxic insults. Altogether, this study shows that differentiation and function of suboptimal human hepatocytes can be restored after cryopreservation, thus markedly increasing the availability of these precious cells.