Summary
Three-dimensional miniature organs grown from stem cells that model development and disease.
In depth
Stem cells self-organise in 3D matrices (Matrigel) with growth factors into mini-intestines, brains, kidneys and others. They model development, infections (Zika) and cancer, and aid personalised drug testing, but lack vasculature and full maturity.
Organoids reproduce key features such as crypts in the intestinal type. Variability and lack of immune and vascular components limit them. Assembloids join several types.
Example: brain organoids model Zika-induced microcephaly.
Organoids are three-dimensional, self-organising cultures derived from stem cells (pluripotent or adult) that mimic features of real organs such as cell types, structure and some function. Matrigel gives support, and growth factors guide patterning.
Examples include intestinal organoids (Hans Clevers), cerebral organoids that model brain development and Zika infection, kidney, liver and retinal organoids. They are used for drug screening, personalised cancer therapy, studying genetic disease and infection. Limitations are lack of blood vessels, immune cells and full maturity, and variability.
Example: cystic fibrosis patient intestinal organoids swell in response to a drug if it works for them.
Frequently asked questions
What is Organoids?
Three-dimensional miniature organs grown from stem cells that model development and disease.
Which area of biology covers Organoids, and how advanced is it?
Organoids is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Embryonic Stem Cells, Model Organisms in Development.
Why does Organoids matter?
They reduce animal use.
Can you give an example of Organoids?
Patient-derived tumour organoids test chemotherapy options.
What should I learn before Organoids?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Organoids. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Organoids?
The closest topics to Organoids are Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Embryonic Stem Cells, Model Organisms in Development, Stem Cell Niches. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Organoids?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Organoids. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Organoids different from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells?
Organoids: Three-dimensional miniature organs grown from stem cells that model development and disease. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Adult cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent state with factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Organoids step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.