Keys to medical cancer research

Researchers have found that mini-organoids from the brain and colon are a valuable source information about cancer and other diseases, revealing details that animal models cannot provide.

Organoids, three-dimensional structures of human stem cells that mimic human organs, are considered a promising alternative for testing drugs and reducing animal testing. Now two studies published in NatureBiologists have created gut and brain organoids that could improve understanding of colon cancer and help develop treatments for a rare neurological disorder.

Researchers have focused their efforts on how to make the most of these models. Organoids, especially those derived from human stem cells, often reveal aspects that animal models cannot match, making them an invaluable tool in medical research.

For example, a team led by Sergiu Pasca at Stanford University used brain organoids to study Timothy syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. This syndrome is particularly difficult to model in animals due to the variability of symptoms. However, by creating brain organoids with stem cells from people with the mutation responsible for the syndrome, researchers were able to recreate the conditions in a more realistic environment. By injecting these organoids into rats, they were able to test possible treatments for this disorder, demonstrating their potential for research and future clinical trials.

In another study, Matthias Lütolf of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and his team used colon organoids to model colorectal cancer. Using genetic manipulation, they were able to induce the growth of tumors in organoids and study their behavior in the laboratory. This approach allowed them to observe how tumors change over time and how they respond to different treatments, providing valuable information about cancer biology and potential treatments.

These studies demonstrate the potential of organoids as medical research tools. As researchers continue to refine these techniques, organoids are likely to play an increasingly important role in developing treatments and understanding various diseases. @mundiario