Human iPSC-derived miniature organs: a tool for drug studies

Abstract

In vitro organogenesis is now becoming a realistic goal of stem cell biology, as one can obtain an unlimited number of pluripotent stem cells through reprogramming technology. One practical challenge is to develop a four-dimensional (4-D) stem cell culture system whereby multiple progenitors communicate in a spatiotemporal manner, as observed during in vivo organogenesis. This perspective summarizes the potential for emerging culture platforms in the future application of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived miniature organs by recapitulating early embryogenesis.