Most of what we know about embryonic development is extrapolated from information observed in mice and other animal models. The emergence of a variety of organoid models derived from iPSC provides a way for dynamic observation and mechanistic research of human development.
Since the identification of pluripotent stem cells, there have been great advancements in directing pluripotent stem cells fate in vitro using 2D cultures. These advancements, coupled with 3D culture techniques allow for the creation of organoids that recapitulate the characteristics of various specific subregions of the human organs. The use of these organoids has thus greatly contributed to our understanding of the processes of organogenesis and the field of developmental biology.
In general, organ-specific progenitor cells are generated by exposing iPSCs to a set of defined factors. After further culture, the progenitor cells self-organize into organoids representative of the developing organs. Early research on organoid development and function found that human PSC-derived organoids undergo molecular processes similar to that of organ development in vivo. This approach has provided a wealth of insight into the morphogenesis of multiple organ systems, and more interestingly, is beginning to shed light on how human genetics affects developmental diseases of the lung, gut, and brain.
As organoids can faithfully recapitulate many of the developmental steps that occur in vivo, they allow visualization and analysis of human developmental processes in real time. Also, organoid may reveal the similarities and differences between humans and other animals during development. This is especially important when trying to study complex, inherent human characteristics or diseases. In the case of the human brain, this technology opens a window into the most elusive aspects of our own biology.
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