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Gómez-Álvarez M, Agustina-Hernández M, Francés-Herrero E, Rodríguez-Eguren A, Bueno-Fernandez C, Cervelló I. Addressing Key Questions in Organoid Models: Who, Where, How, and Why? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16014. [PMID: 37958996 PMCID: PMC10650475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242116014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are three-dimensional cellular structures designed to recreate the biological characteristics of the body's native tissues and organs in vitro. There has been a recent surge in studies utilizing organoids due to their distinct advantages over traditional two-dimensional in vitro approaches. However, there is no consensus on how to define organoids. This literature review aims to clarify the concept of organoids and address the four fundamental questions pertaining to organoid models: (i) What constitutes organoids?-The cellular material. (ii) Where do organoids grow?-The extracellular scaffold. (iii) How are organoids maintained in vitro?-Via the culture media. (iv) Why are organoids suitable in vitro models?-They represent reproducible, stable, and scalable models for biological applications. Finally, this review provides an update on the organoid models employed within the female reproductive tract, underscoring their relevance in both basic biology and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Gómez-Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Marcos Agustina-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
| | - Clara Bueno-Fernandez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Irene Cervelló
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), IVI Foundation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.G.-Á.); (M.A.-H.); (E.F.-H.); (A.R.-E.); (C.B.-F.)
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Zeng J, Alvarez-Yela AC, Casarez E, Jiang Y, Wang L, Kelly BE, Jenkins T, Ke E, Atkins KA, Janes KA, Slack-Davis JK, Zong H. Dichotomous ovarian cancer-initiating potential of Pax8+ cells revealed by a mouse genetic mosaic model. iScience 2023; 26:106742. [PMID: 37207276 PMCID: PMC10189502 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Different cellular compartments within a tissue present distinct cancer-initiating capacities. Current approaches to dissect such heterogeneity require cell-type-specific genetic tools based on a well-understood lineage hierarchy, which are lacking for many tissues. Here, we circumvented this hurdle and revealed the dichotomous capacity of fallopian tube Pax8+ cells in initiating ovarian cancer, utilizing a mouse genetic system that stochastically generates rare GFP-labeled mutant cells. Through clonal analysis and spatial profiling, we determined that only clones founded by rare, stem/progenitor-like Pax8+ cells can expand on acquiring oncogenic mutations whereas vast majority of clones stall immediately. Furthermore, expanded mutant clones undergo further attrition: many turn quiescent shortly after the initial expansion, whereas others sustain proliferation and manifest a bias toward Pax8+ fate, underlying early pathogenesis. Our study showcases the power of genetic mosaic system-based clonal analysis for revealing cellular heterogeneity of cancer-initiating capacity in tissues with limited prior knowledge of lineage hierarchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Zeng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | | | - Eli Casarez
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Lixin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Brianna E. Kelly
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Taylor Jenkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Eugene Ke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Kristen A. Atkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Kevin A. Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Jill K. Slack-Davis
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Hui Zong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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Haider S, Beristain AG. Human organoid systems in modeling reproductive tissue development, function, and disease. Hum Reprod 2023:7147082. [PMID: 37119533 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research focused on human reproductive biology has primarily relied upon clinical samples affording mainly descriptive studies with limited implementation of functional or mechanistic understanding. More importantly, restricted access to human embryonic material has necessitated the use of animals, primarily rats and mice, and short-term primary cell cultures derived from human patient material. While reproductive developmental processes are generally conserved across mammals, specific features unique to human reproduction have resulted in the development of human-based in vitro systems designed to retain or recapitulate key molecular and cellular processes important in humans. Of note, major advances in 3D epithelial stem cell-based systems modeling human reproductive organ development have been made. These cultures, broadly referred to as organoids, enable research aimed at understanding cellular hierarchies and processes controlling cellular differentiation and function. Moreover, organoids allow the pre-clinical testing of pharmacological substances, both from safety and efficacy standpoints, and hold large potential in driving aspects of personalized medicine that were previously not possible with traditional models. In this mini-review, we focus on summarizing the current state of regenerative organoid culture systems of the female and male reproductive tracts that model organ development, maintenance, and function. Specifically, we will introduce stem cell-based organoid models of the ovary/fallopian tube, endometrium, cervix, prostate gland, and testes. We will also describe organoid systems of the pre-implanting blastocyst and trophoblast, as the blastocyst and its extraembryonic trophectoderm are central to fetal, maternal, and overall pregnancy health. We describe the foundational studies leading to their development and outline the utility as well as specific limitations that are unique and common to many of these in vitro platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Francés-Herrero E, Lopez R, Hellström M, de Miguel-Gómez L, Herraiz S, Brännström M, Pellicer A, Cervelló I. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:798-837. [PMID: 35652272 PMCID: PMC9629485 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide the optimal milieu for implantation and fetal development, the female reproductive system must orchestrate uterine dynamics with the appropriate hormones produced by the ovaries. Mature oocytes may be fertilized in the fallopian tubes, and the resulting zygote is transported toward the uterus, where it can implant and continue developing. The cervix acts as a physical barrier to protect the fetus throughout pregnancy, and the vagina acts as a birth canal (involving uterine and cervix mechanisms) and facilitates copulation. Fertility can be compromised by pathologies that affect any of these organs or processes, and therefore, being able to accurately model them or restore their function is of paramount importance in applied and translational research. However, innate differences in human and animal model reproductive tracts, and the static nature of 2D cell/tissue culture techniques, necessitate continued research and development of dynamic and more complex in vitro platforms, ex vivo approaches and in vivo therapies to study and support reproductive biology. To meet this need, bioengineering is propelling the research on female reproduction into a new dimension through a wide range of potential applications and preclinical models, and the burgeoning number and variety of studies makes for a rapidly changing state of the field. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize the mounting evidence on bioengineering strategies, platforms and therapies currently available and under development in the context of female reproductive medicine, in order to further understand female reproductive biology and provide new options for fertility restoration. Specifically, techniques used in, or for, the uterus (endometrium and myometrium), ovary, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina will be discussed. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of full-text articles available in PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between January 2000 and September 2021. The search terms included: bioengineering, reproduction, artificial, biomaterial, microfluidic, bioprinting, organoid, hydrogel, scaffold, uterus, endometrium, ovary, fallopian tubes, oviduct, cervix, vagina, endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, chlamydia, Asherman’s syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, uterine polyps, polycystic ovary syndrome and primary ovarian insufficiency. Additional studies were identified by manually searching the references of the selected articles and of complementary reviews. Eligibility criteria included original, rigorous and accessible peer-reviewed work, published in English, on female reproductive bioengineering techniques in preclinical (in vitro/in vivo/ex vivo) and/or clinical testing phases. OUTCOMES Out of the 10 390 records identified, 312 studies were included for systematic review. Owing to inconsistencies in the study measurements and designs, the findings were assessed qualitatively rather than by meta-analysis. Hydrogels and scaffolds were commonly applied in various bioengineering-related studies of the female reproductive tract. Emerging technologies, such as organoids and bioprinting, offered personalized diagnoses and alternative treatment options, respectively. Promising microfluidic systems combining various bioengineering approaches have also shown translational value. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The complexity of the molecular, endocrine and tissue-level interactions regulating female reproduction present challenges for bioengineering approaches to replace female reproductive organs. However, interdisciplinary work is providing valuable insight into the physicochemical properties necessary for reproductive biological processes to occur. Defining the landscape of reproductive bioengineering technologies currently available and under development for women can provide alternative models for toxicology/drug testing, ex vivo fertility options, clinical therapies and a basis for future organ regeneration studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mats Hellström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lucía de Miguel-Gómez
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Fundación IVI, IVI-RMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia Herraiz
- Fundación IVI, IVI-RMA Global, Valencia, Spain
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mats Brännström
- Laboratory for Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Stockholm IVF-EUGIN, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Roma Parioli, IVI-RMA Global, Rome, Italy
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Heremans R, Jan Z, Timmerman D, Vankelecom H. Organoids of the Female Reproductive Tract: Innovative Tools to Study Desired to Unwelcome Processes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:661472. [PMID: 33959613 PMCID: PMC8093793 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.661472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pelviperineal organs of the female reproductive tract form an essential cornerstone of human procreation. The system comprises the ectodermal external genitalia, the Müllerian upper-vaginal, cervical, endometrial and oviductal derivatives, and the endodermal ovaries. Each of these organs presents with a unique course of biological development as well as of malignant degeneration. For many decades, various preclinical in vitro models have been employed to study female reproductive organ (patho-)biology, however, facing important shortcomings of limited expandability, loss of representativeness and inadequate translatability to the clinic. The recent emergence of 3D organoid models has propelled the field forward by generating powerful research tools that in vitro replicate healthy as well as diseased human tissues and are amenable to state-of-the-art experimental interventions. Here, we in detail review organoid modeling of the different female reproductive organs from healthy and tumorigenic backgrounds, and project perspectives for both scientists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Heremans
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Cluster Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ziga Jan
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Cluster Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology, Klinikum Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Dirk Timmerman
- Cluster Woman and Child, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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Roberson EC, Battenhouse AM, Garge RK, Tran NK, Marcotte EM, Wallingford JB. Spatiotemporal transcriptional dynamics of the cycling mouse oviduct. Dev Biol 2021; 476:240-248. [PMID: 33864778 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Female fertility in mammals requires iterative remodeling of the entire adult female reproductive tract across the menstrual/estrous cycle. However, while transcriptome dynamics across the estrous cycle have been reported in human and bovine models, no global analysis of gene expression across the estrous cycle has yet been reported for the mouse. Here, we examined the cellular composition and global transcriptional dynamics of the mouse oviduct along the anteroposterior axis and across the estrous cycle. We observed robust patterns of differential gene expression along the anteroposterior axis, but we found surprisingly few changes in gene expression across the estrous cycle. Notable gene expression differences along the anteroposterior axis included a surprising enrichment for genes related to embryonic development, such as Hox and Wnt genes. The relatively stable transcriptional dynamics across the estrous cycle differ markedly from other mammals, leading us to speculate that this is an evolutionarily derived state that may reflect the extremely rapid five-day mouse estrous cycle. This dataset fills a critical gap by providing an important genomic resource for a highly tractable genetic model of mammalian female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elle C Roberson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Anna M Battenhouse
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Riddhiman K Garge
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Ngan Kim Tran
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Edward M Marcotte
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - John B Wallingford
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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Examination of expression patterns of WNT signaling in the human fallopian tubes. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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