Organoid Models and Applications in Biomedical Research

Abstract

Recent technical advances in the stem cell field have enabled the in vitro generation of complex structures resembling whole organs termed organoids. Most of these approaches employ three-dimensional (3D) culture systems that allow stem cell-derived or tissue progenitor cells to self-organize into 3D structures. These systems evolved, methodologically and conceptually, from classical reaggregation experiments, showing that dissociated cells from embryonic organs can reaggregate and re-create the original organ architecture. Since organoids can be grown from human stem cells and from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, they create significant prospects for modelling development and diseases, for toxicology and drug discovery studies, and in the field of regenerative medicine. Here, we outline historical advances in the field and describe some of the major recent developments in 3D human organoid formation. Finally, we underline current limitations and highlight examples of how organoid technology can be applied in biomedical research.

A liver‐specific gene expression panel predicts the differentiation status of in vitro hepatocyte models

“…In the transplantation of iPSC‐derived hepatocytes into mice, angiogenesis occurs in mouse tissue, and albumin secretion occurs. Thus, the liver organoid is an applicable resource for replacement therapy and is useful material for the treatment of liver disease . To develop a liver mimic, the liver organoid matures by coculture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells and by growth factor and extracellular matrix gel embedding.…”

Stem cell bioprinting for applications in regenerative medicine

“…While printing of multipotent stem cells shows promise in addressing problems in functional regenerative medicine, bioprinting may also be uniquely suited to address the challenge of precisely controlling PSC microenvironments. Unlike multipotent stem cells, PSCs can give rise to any specialized cell type in the body; this unlimited differentiation potential makes PSCs very attractive for regenerative medicine applications. However, PSCs can also differentiate to undesired fates, which underscores the need for engineered microenvironments that direct stem cell fate decisions .…”

Intestinal Organoids—Current and Future Applications

“…Notably, to study the etiology of Helicobacter pylori-mediated disease, they injected the bacterium directly into the lumen of the organoids, and observed that the virulence factor CagA bound and activated the c-Met (receptor for HGF), inducing epithelial proliferation. This epithelial pathophysiological response makes the organoids a promising model for human gastric disease [47].…”

“…Besides that, the development of "cancer organoids" creates significant prospects for personalizing and optimizing current treatments [47].…”