How do organoids help scientists study human development and disease?

Organoids are miniature, three-dimensional models of human organs grown in the laboratory from stem cells. They have transformed biomedical research by providing scientists with powerful tools to observe biological processes in a controlled environment.1

Applications in Research

Scientists utilize organoids—such as those derived from the brain, intestine, liver, and kidney—to advance medical knowledge in several key areas:

• Human Development: Organoids allow researchers to observe how tissues form and develop, providing insights into the fundamental processes of human growth.1
• Disease Investigation: These models are used to study genetic diseases and observe how viruses and cancers impact human tissues.1
• Drug Screening: Organoids serve as platforms to test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs before they reach clinical trials.1

In some instances, researchers use induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to create organoids that carry a specific patient's genetic mutations, enabling the study of disease mechanisms and the development of personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, intestinal organoids have been successfully used in experimental models to treat damaged tissue by generating a normal-appearing lining.21