Engineering Organoid Systems to Model Health and Disease

Abstract

Much of the in vitro study of organs relies on responses from monolayers composed of one or more cell types; however, in many cases, this simplistic modeling of the organ system does not replicate how cells behave in vivo in the context of their organ and organism. While many useful cell characteristics can be deduced from 2D cell cultures, a full understanding of organ systems and biology requires studying cells in the context of their native environment. Traditionally, animal models have fulfilled this role; however, in the past decade, techniques and technologies to grow 3D tissue organoids in culture have been developed as an intermediate or replacement for in vivo studies. In this chapter, we review the genesis of organoid culture systems and provide an in-depth view of several fields that have been significantly impacted by organoid technology. Finally, we summarize emerging applications of organoids in modeling health and disease, treating patients, and discovering novel pharmaceuticals.