Generating Mini-Organs in Culture

Abstract The discovery of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has provided new opportunities for studying human diseases and, ultimately, generating therapies. However, the practical application of iPSCs remains a challenge due to the failure of current two-dimensional culture methods targeted on generating single pure lineage cells. The developmental process of directed differentiation requires three-dimensional and temporal cellular interactions between multiple supporting cells and their environments. Recently, novel spatiotemporal stem cell culture methods for recapitulating organogenesis have been reported and have successfully self-organized functional miniature (mini)-organs, referred to as organoids and organ buds. Here, we review the latest culture technologies for generating mini-organs from stem cells and discuss their potential applications.
Source: Current Pathobiology Reports - Category: Laboratory Medicine Source Type: research