Organ Regeneration Based on Developmental Biology: Past and Future

October 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

TLDR Scientists have made progress in growing mini-organs and regenerating parts of the skin, with plans to treat hair loss in a future trial.

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.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Cited in this study

6 / 6 results

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 Salivary Gland Regeneration by Transplantation of a Bioengineered Organ Germ

165 citations , October 2013 in “Nature Communications”

Scientists made working salivary glands in mice using bioengineered cells, which could help treat dry mouth.

research Hair Organ Regeneration Via Bioengineered Hair Follicular Unit Transplantation

66 citations , May 2012 in “Scientific Reports”

Scientists successfully created and transplanted bioengineered hair follicles that function like natural ones, suggesting a new treatment for hair loss.

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

179 citations , April 2012 in “Nature Communications”

Regenerated fully functional hair follicles using stem cells, with potential for hair regrowth 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”

Feather patterns form through genetic and epigenetic controls, with cells self-organizing into periodic patterns.

1 / 1 results

research Organ Regeneration Based on Developmental Biology: Past and Future

21 citations , October 2018 in “Current Opinion in Genetics & Development”

Scientists have made progress in growing mini-organs and regenerating parts of the skin, with plans to treat hair loss in a future trial.