Potential of organoids and stem cell derived embryo models

Microphysiological systems, or "organ-on-a-chip" technologies, use microfluidic platforms to replicate the dynamic environment of living organs.These tools offer unprecedented potential for studying human biology, disease modeling, and drug development. They allow researchers to simulate complex organ functions, explore disease mechanisms, and test therapeutic responses in systems that closely mirror human physiology, reducing reliance on animal models. Organoids have been particularly impactful in personalized medicine, enabling tailored therapies based on patient-derived cells. Similarly, MPS are revolutionizing toxicology and pharmacokinetics, improving the prediction of drug safety and efficacy. An upcoming development aims to use stem cell derived 3D embryo models to achieve organogenesis. This may offer novel avenues for generating human tissue/organ sources for transplantation. 
 

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Stefan Krauss M.D. is professor and director of the Centre of Excellence Hybrid Technology Hub at the Institute of Medical Biology, University of Oslo and the Oslo University Hospital. His discovery of the key vertebrate signal Shh was identified as one of the 24 Milestones in Development by the journal Nature. He is currently focusing on applying morphogenetic signaling to advance organoid development and integration. He coordinates the European Innovation Council funded project Supervised Morphogenesis that works towards 3D organogenesis in stem cell derived embryo models.