Translational strategy: humanized mini-organs

Drug Discov Today. 2018 Nov;23(11):1812-1817. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.05.039. Epub 2018 Jun 5.

Abstract

Mini-organs engineered from decellularized organs repopulated with human stem cells can transform preclinical model strategies in target validation and biomarker discovery. Recellularized organs are whole humanized organs with preserved native architecture, conformity of the organ, composition of extracellular matrix and vascular matrix structures. With mini-organ models further understanding of developmental biology and assessment of potential therapeutic targets can be elucidated utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cells. As a next step, co-cultured mini-organ models could simulate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in physiological and pathological conditions. By overcoming key challenges, the development of humanized mini-organs as integrated biotechnology can address the translational gaps between in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo systems for an elevated human target validation model.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coculture Techniques / methods*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Tissue Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tissue Scaffolds*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical / methods*