Organoid factory: The recent role of the human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in precision medicine

Abstract

During the last decades, hiPSC-derived organoids have been extensively studied and used as in vitro models for several applications among which research studies. They can be considered as organ and tissue prototypes, especially for those difficult to obtain. Moreover, several diseases can be accurately modeled and studied. Hence, patient-derived organoids (PDOs) can be used to predict individual drug responses, thus paving the way toward personalized medicine. Lastly, by applying tissue engineering and 3D printing techniques, organoids could be used in the future to replace or regenerate damaged tissue. In this review, we will focus on hiPSC-derived 3D cultures and their ability to model human diseases with an in-depth analysis of gene editing applications, as well as tumor models. Furthermore, we will highlight the state-of-the-art of organoid facilities that around the world offer know-how and services. This is an increasing trend that shed the light on the need of bridging the publicand the private sector. Hence, in the context of drug discovery, Organoid Factories can offer biobanks of validated 3D organoid models that can be used in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies to speed up the drug screening process. Finally, we will discuss the limitations and the future development that will lead hiPSC-derived technology from bench to bedside, toward personalized medicine, such as maturity, organoid interconnections, costs, reproducibility and standardization, and ethics. hiPSC-derived organoid technology is now passing from a proof-of-principle to real applications in the clinic, also thanks to the applicability of techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system, material engineering for the scaffolds, or microfluidic systems. The benefits will have a crucial role in the advance of both basic biological and translational research, particularly in the pharmacological field and drug development. In fact, in the near future, 3D organoids will guide the clinical decision-making process, having validated patient-specific drug screening platforms. This is particularly important in the context of rare genetic diseases or when testing cancer treatments that could in principle have severe side effects. Therefore, this technology has enabled the advancement of personalized medicine in a way never seen before.