Scientists Grow Mini-Organs from Cells Shed by Foetuses in Womb
Promising Insights into Human Development during Late Pregnancy
Researchers have achieved a major breakthrough by growing mini-organs from cells found in the amniotic fluid, shedding new light on human development during late pregnancy. This groundbreaking approach involved creating 3D organoids from lung, kidney, and intestinal cells recovered from the amniotic fluid that protects the foetus in the uterus. These organoids, measuring less than a millimetre in width, have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of foetal development in both health and disease.
Conditions affecting 3-6% of babies globally, the cause and progression of malformations, have long baffled scientists. However, the creation of organoids from untreated cells in the amniotic fluid opens up unprecedented avenues to study these conditions. Dr. Mattia Gerli, a stem cell researcher at UCL, emphasized the ability of foetal organoids to provide insights into the development of foetuses in the womb, enabling more personalized interventions and facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of defects.
Understanding Human Development and Shaping Future Treatment Approaches
Organoids, mimicking the features and functions of larger tissues and organs to varying extents, have been widely utilized by scientists to study organ growth, disease progression, and potential therapeutic interventions. While most organoids are derived from adult tissue, recent advancements have enabled the creation of organoids from fetal cells. The most ethically sensitive approach involved using tissue obtained from terminated foetuses, while others have reprogrammed cells to resemble an embryo-like state.
Notably, the researchers focused on amniotic fluid collected from 12 pregnant women during routine diagnostic testing. Despite most cells in the fluid being non-viable, a small fraction was identified as stem cells responsible for the development of the baby’s lungs, kidneys, and intestines. By culturing and injecting these cells into gel droplets, the team successfully generated 3D organoids.
Promising Applications in Congenital Conditions and Beyond
The potential applications for organoids grown from foetal cells are extensive. The research team exemplified this by creating lung organoids from cells of unborn babies with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) – a condition in which a hole in the diaphragm hampers lung development. By comparing organoids before and after treatment, significant differences in development were observed, demonstrating the potential of organoids in assessing the efficacy of interventions.
Such experimentation with organoids holds promise for exploring other congenital conditions, including cystic fibrosis, which is characterized by mucus build-up in the lungs, as well as malformations in the kidneys and gut. By conducting drug tests on organoids before administering them to babies, treatment options for congenital disorders can be evaluated more effectively.
A Future of Enhanced Understanding and Improved Care
The research conducted by Dr. Mattia Gerli and Prof. Paolo de Coppi from the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health is not only poised to shape the field of stem cell research but also presents broader implications. Understanding the early origins of adult diseases and the consequences of cell malfunction within foetal tissues may lead to new insights for the prevention and treatment of various conditions.
Professor Roger Sturmey, an expert in reproductive medicine at the University of Hull, highlighted the significance of this research in overcoming limitations associated with donated tissue gathered after an abortion. Additionally, the newfound ability to study the formation and function of key organs in unborn babies has immense potential for shedding light on human development.
