Human Pancreas-Derived Organoids with Controlled Polarity: Detailed Protocols and Experimental Timeline

Since their discovery, 3D cell cultures have emerged as powerful tools across various basic, translational research, and industrial discovery projects. One such application is in the physiological and pathophysiological modeling of pancreatic exocrine functions, which addresses critical clinical challenges, including acute and chronic pancreatitis. While several methods now exist for generating epithelial organoids (derived from induced pluripotent, embryonic, or adult stem cells), the advent of patient-derived organoids (PDOs) with controlled polarity has introduced a new frontier in pancreatic research. This advancement has significantly expanded the methodological arsenal available for studying human pancreatic epithelial secretion. In this article, we present basic protocols and a troubleshooting guide for an advanced culture method that results in an apical-to-basal polarity switch. Alongside the protocols, we emphasize a comprehensive cost breakdown, an aspect often challenging to estimate when implementing new techniques. By sharing the technical nuances and financial implications of these protocols, we aim to encourage researchers to transition from rodent models to primary human epithelial cells wherever feasible. This aligns with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to accelerate the translation of significant scientific findings to address major clinical needs. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Establishment and maintenance of pancreatic PDOs Basic Protocol 2: Cryopreservation and thawing of pancreatic PDOs Basic Protocol 3: Inducing polarity switching in pancreatic PDOs.