Organ Regeneration Based on Developmental Biology: Past and Future

June 2018 in “ Current Opinion in Genetics & Development ”

Makoto Takeo, Takashi Tsuji

organ regeneration stem cell developmental biology bioengineered organ germs organoids integumentary organ system hair follicles 3D culture system blood vessels hair follicle stem cells regenerative therapy alopecia pluripotent stem cells tissue stem cells hair loss hair follicle regeneration stem cell therapy hair loss treatment

Studysummary This review discusses recent advancements in regenerative medicine, including functional organ regeneration and the creation of mini-organs, and reports no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Over the past decade, there has been considerable progress in the field of organ regeneration, particularly through the integration of stem cell and developmental biology. This has led to the creation of bioengineered organ germs and the generation of mini-organs, or organoids, that mimic real organs. A significant accomplishment is the regeneration of the integumentary organ system, which includes hair follicles, showcasing the potential for regenerating functional 3D organ systems. However, challenges remain, such as developing a 3D culture system that can provide blood vessels for organoid growth. Hair follicle stem cells are at the forefront of regenerative therapy, with a clinical trial for hair follicle regeneration to treat alopecia planned for 2019 in Japan. This could pave the way for regenerating other organs using pluripotent and tissue stem cells. The document also mentions a conflict of interest, with partial funding from Organ Technologies Inc. and an author's affiliation with the company.

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Research cited in this study

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research Hair Follicle Development in Mouse Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Skin Organoids

169 citations , January 2018 in “Cell Reports”

In this study, researchers successfully derived skin organoids from mouse pluripotent stem cells that spontaneously produce hair follicles, potentially aiding in hair growth research and in vitro drug testing.

research Bioengineering a 3D Integumentary Organ System from iPS Cells Using an In Vivo Transplantation Model

77 citations , April 2016 in “Science Advances”

Researchers created a fully functional, bioengineered skin system with hair from stem cells that successfully integrated when transplanted into mice.

research Functional Lacrimal Gland Regeneration by Transplantation of a Bioengineered Organ Germ

256 citations , October 2013 in “Nature Communications”

This study demonstrates that bioengineered lacrimal gland germs can successfully develop and restore tear production and ocular surface protection in a mouse model with lacrimal gland dysfunction.

research Functional Salivary Gland Regeneration by Transplantation of a Bioengineered Organ Germ

165 citations , October 2013 in “Nature Communications”

This study demonstrates that bioengineered salivary gland transplants can fully regenerate gland function, producing saliva and restoring normal swallowing in salivary gland-defective mice, offering potential for xerostomia treatment.

research Hair Organ Regeneration Via Bioengineered Hair Follicular Unit Transplantation

66 citations , May 2012 in “Scientific Reports”

This study demonstrated that bioengineered hair follicles reconstituted from embryonic skin cells and transplanted into hosts can restore physiological hair functions, suggesting potential applications for treating alopecia.

research Fully Functional Hair Follicle Regeneration Through the Rearrangement of Stem Cells and Their Niches

179 citations , April 2012 in “Nature Communications”

This study demonstrates the potential of using bioengineered follicles from adult tissue-derived stem cells for fully functional hair regeneration, illustrating possible applications in organ replacement therapy.

research Wnt-Dependent De Novo Hair Follicle Regeneration in Adult Mouse Skin After Wounding

829 citations , May 2007 in “Nature”

Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.

research Integument Pattern Formation Involves Genetic and Epigenetic Controls: Feather Arrays Simulated by Digital Hormone Models

112 citations , January 2004 in “The International journal of developmental biology”

This study found that feather patterning is primarily self-organizing and dynamic, relying on both genetic and epigenetic controls, with implications for similar processes like fingerprints and pigmentation.