The development of a bioengineered organ germ method

Nat Methods. 2007 Mar;4(3):227-30. doi: 10.1038/nmeth1012. Epub 2007 Feb 18.

Abstract

To bioengineer ectodermal organs such as teeth and whisker follicles, we developed a three-dimensional organ-germ culture method. The bioengineered tooth germ generated a structurally correct tooth, after both in vitro organ culture as well as transplantation under a tooth cavity in vivo, showing penetration of blood vessels and nerve fibers. Our method provides a substantial advance in the development of bioengineered organ replacement strategies and regenerative therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bioartificial Organs*
  • Biomedical Engineering / methods
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mice
  • Organ Culture Techniques / methods
  • Organogenesis / physiology*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Tooth / cytology*
  • Vibrissae / cytology*