Stem Cells and Bioengineering Revolutionize Disease Research
The evolution of technology and science is continuously impacting the way diseases are studied and treated. The latest advancements in stem cell technology and bioengineering have led to the creation of organoids, also known as ‘miniature organs’, that can mimic the properties of human organs and tissues.
Marimar Encabo Berzosa, a doctor in nanotechnology and a technician from the Biobank of the Aragon Health System (BSSA), explains the significant impact of organoids in medical research. These three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells are designed to closely replicate the properties of human tissues, allowing for more accurate and personalized disease studies and drug testing.
Traditionally, diseases and drugs were studied using cell monolayers grown in laboratories. However, organoids have opened up a new realm of possibilities by offering a model that closely resembles the natural state of human organs and tissues.
Encabo emphasizes the various applications of organoids, such as developing disease models and evaluating the efficacy of specific drugs for individual patients. For example, organoids can be used to simulate diseases like cystic fibrosis and test potential treatments and drug responses.
The creation of different types of organoids comes with its complexities, especially in relation to the particularities of each type of organoid. Currently, research efforts have been focused on the development of organoids derived from epithelial cells. However, there are ongoing efforts to expand the scope to more complex structures such as glioblastoma organoids, which are derived from brain tumor tissues.
The potential of organoids is not limited to human subjects. Scientists have successfully developed snake venom gland organoids for research purposes, showcasing the broad applicability of this technology.
While organoids offer immense potential, they also come with limitations. For more complex organs such as the brain and tissues like cartilage and bone, creating organoids can be challenging due to the absence of a vascular system and immune system. However, ongoing research aims to overcome these limitations and enhance the complexity of organoids to represent a more complete organism.
Despite the current limitations, the future of organoids in medical research is promising. Personalized medicine is a focal point of medical research, and the use of organoids aligns with this approach. Organoids can be tailored to individual patients, allowing for the testing of specific treatments and therapies on a patient’s unique set of organoids.
The Biobank of Aragon has been at the forefront of organoid development and continues its efforts to characterize these tissues, adding to the growing body of knowledge in the field of organoid technology.
The integration of stem cell technology and bioengineering has paved the way for a revolutionary approach to understanding diseases and developing personalized treatments. The potential of organoids in advancing medical research and patient care is a testament to the continuous evolution of science and technology.