Use of a three-layer gradient system of cells for rat testicular organoid generation

We have recently developed a 3D culture system that allows the reorganization of rat primary testicular cells into organoids with a functional blood-testis barrier, as well as the establishment and maintenance of germ cells. The innovative aspect of our model, the three-layer gradient system (3-LGS), comprises cells combined with Matrigel placed between two layers of Matrigel without cells, which creates a gradient of cells and allows the reorganization of testicular cells into organized structures after 5-7 d in culture. This reorganization is not observed when testicular cells are suspended in only one layer of Matrigel, the methodology used in the majority of the protocols for generating organoids. The model can be applied to follow and quantify cell migration during testicular organoid formation, and to explore the role of growth factors and the toxic effects of drugs and environmental contaminants on germ cell maintenance and blood-testis barrier integrity. The 3-LGS is a robust and reproducible method that requires a small volume of Matrigel and a low number of cells (16 μl and 132,000 cells, respectively), enabling and facilitating high-throughput analysis of germ-to-somatic cell associations in vitro.