Organoids: Development and applications in disease models, drug discovery, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine

This review was designed by Professor Hongcui Cao (State Key Laboratory for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine). Organoids are miniature, high-precision representations of organs, capable of capturing the structure and unique functions of specific organs. Despite the exponential growth of the organoid field, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, gene editing, and bioengineering instruments, there remains a need for a comprehensive and precise overview of organoid applications.

The research team reviewed the historical origins and characteristics of various organoids, their applications—including disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy evaluation, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine—as well as current challenges and future directions in organoid research. Organoids have been shown to shed light on genetic cell fates in hereditary diseases, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and malignancies, as well as provide insights into embryonic development, molecular mechanisms, and host-microbiome interactions. Furthermore, the integration of organoid technology with artificial intelligence and microfluidic systems has significantly accelerated large-scale, rapid, and cost-effective assessments of drug toxicity and efficacy, advancing precision medicine. Finally, with the emergence of high-performance materials, 3D printing, and gene editing technologies, organoids are gaining increasing attention in the field of regenerative medicine.

While the organoid field is rapidly evolving, several challenges remain, including issues related to standardization, matrix gel contamination, bioethics, and complexity.

In this review, the team first introduced the key methods used in organoid construction and examined how bioengineering approaches can enhance their utility in both research and therapeutic applications. They then discussed the applications of organoid technology in disease modeling, drug screening, precision therapy, and regenerative medicine. Finally, they highlighted the current limitations and future prospects of organoid development, with the goal of further improving its effectiveness in research and treatment. Their insights and predictions aim to provide valuable guidance for current researchers and support the continued advancement of this rapidly growing field.

See the article: Organoids: development and applications in disease models, drug discovery, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine

https://doi.org/10.1002/mco2.735