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Mucociliary Epithelial Organoids from Xenopus Embryonic Cells: Generation, Culture and High-Resolution Live Imaging
Published on: July 28, 2020
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Epithelial morphogenesis in organoids.
Byung Ho Lee1, Irene Seijo-Barandiaran1, Anne Grapin-Botton1
1Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 1307 Dresden, Germany.
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|November 18, 2021
Summary
Epithelial organoids model in vivo morphogenesis, allowing live monitoring and manipulation. This emerging field explores signaling molecules and mechanical cues that control organoid development and shape.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epithelial organoids mimic in vivo morphogenesis, including lumen formation, folding, and branching.
- In vitro organoid models offer opportunities for live observation and experimental manipulation.
- Understanding the control mechanisms of organoid development is crucial for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review signaling molecules that regulate epithelial organoid morphogenesis.
- To discuss the role of mechanical cues and environmental properties in controlling organoid shape.
- To highlight the potential of organoids as a model for studying developmental processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of signaling pathways involved in organoid morphogenesis.
- Analysis of studies investigating mechanical forces and substrate properties in organoid development.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on in vitro organoid culture and manipulation.
Main Results:
- Signaling molecules from the medium act as crucial cues, influencing the emergence of signaling centers within organoids.
- Mechanical cues originating from within the organoid and the surrounding environment significantly dictate organoid shape.
- Organoid shape is a result of the interplay between internal mechanical forces and external material properties.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial organoids provide a powerful platform for dissecting the complex processes of morphogenesis.
- Both biochemical and biomechanical factors are essential regulators of organoid development and morphology.
- Further research in this emerging field holds promise for advancing our understanding of development and disease.
