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How 'mini-organs' are revolutionising biomedical research

Dr Emma Rawlins

Dr Emma Rawlins

Gurdon Institute

 

Scientists have been growing animal and human cells in the laboratory for more than 60 years. While these lab-grown cells are a powerful research tool, providing the basis for important developments in modern medicine, including some cancer drugs, anti-HIV therapies and vaccines, they are grown in very artificial conditions and therefore don’t actually resemble any cells in our bodies. 

Ten years ago, Professor Hans Clevers and colleagues in the Netherlands invented a more complex cell culture system in which ‘mini-organs’, or ‘organoids’, could be grown. The Clevers team first worked out how to grow cells from the mouse gut in a way that preserved normal gut architecture and cell behaviour. This discovery has led to a worldwide revolution in cell growth, and mini-organs are now being grown from almost all parts of the human body. Scientists in Cambridge are at the forefront of this research, and mini-guts, livers, lungs, kidneys, placentas and even brains are growing in labs all over the city. 

This ability to study cells in a more natural setting provides many new and interesting research opportunities. Organoid technology has already been used to study human embryonic development, to test personalised treatments for cystic fibrosis and to replace some of the animals used in drug testing. Scientists are now exploring its potential for growing replacement organs, repairing damaged genes and providing personalised treatments for other diseases. I will discuss current and future uses of mini-organs: some are science fiction, but many are exciting research horizons.

 

SEE DR EMMA RAWLINS'S EVENT 

Mini-organs in a dish: how organoids are revolutionising research

6PM - 8PM

THUR 12 MAR

Read more about Dr Rawlins's work on the Gurdon Institute website.