The promise of human organoids in the digestive system

Cell Death Differ. 2021 Jan;28(1):84-94. doi: 10.1038/s41418-020-00661-3. Epub 2020 Nov 17.

Abstract

The advent of organoid technology has enabled scientists and clinicians to utilize cells from primary tissues or pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to grow self-organizing tissue systems, thus attaining cellular diversity, spatial organization, and functionality as found within digestive tracts. The development of human gastrointestinal (GI) and hepato-biliary-pancreatic organoids as an in-a-dish model present novel opportunities to study humanistic mechanisms of organogenesis, regeneration and pathogenesis. Herein, we review the recent portfolios of primary tissue-derived and PSC-derived organoids in the digestive systems. We also discuss the promise and challenges in disease modeling and drug development applications for digestive disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bile Ducts / cytology
  • Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional / methods*
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Humans
  • Liver / cytology
  • Organogenesis / physiology
  • Organoids / cytology*
  • Organoids / metabolism
  • Pancreas / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*