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Paola Arlotta receives the 2025 ISSCR Momentum Award for her innovative work using stem cell-derived brain organoids to study human brain development and disease

Dr. Paola Arlotta's groundbreaking research on stem cell-derived brain organoids has redefined human brain development and neurological disease understanding. Her work provides access to the complexities of developing human brains, making her a deserving recipient of the ISSCR Momentum Award.

KAIST research team develops stretchable microelectrodes array for organoid signal monitoring​

The KAIST research team developed a highly stretchable microelectrode array to monitor organoids' functions, enabling real-time analysis of their states. The technology showed promise in high-throughput drug screening applications, revealing changes in signal characteristics according to size and identifying potential drug interactions.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

A matter of time

Researchers at ISTA used miniature 2D organs and rubbery silicone molds to study morphogen signaling dynamics during spinal cord development. The study found that BMP morphogen signaling gradients emerge quickly, then fade away, only to reappear again, shedding light on the complex process of tissue development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Gut instincts: Intestinal nutrient sensors

A team of researchers has developed strategies to identify regulators of intestinal hormone secretion, which could lead to new treatments for metabolic and gut motility disorders. They used human organoids to study the function of 'nutrient sensors' on hormone-producing cells in the gut.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Organoids derived from gut stem cells reveal two distinct molecular subtypes of crohn’s disease

Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered that Crohn's disease consists of two distinct molecular subtypes, each exhibiting unique patterns of genetic mutation and cellular phenotypes. This finding could lead to more effective management strategies, with therapies tailored to specific subtypes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateSep 26, 2024

Unlocking the potential of patient-derived organoids for personalized sarcoma treatment

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a biobank of 294 samples from 126 patients with 25 different subtypes of bone and soft tissue sarcoma. The team created tumor organoids that retained key characteristics of the original tumors, which were then subjected to high-throughput drug screening. They iden...

KAIST presents strategies for Holotomography in advanced bio research

Holotomography offers a promising approach to biomedical research, providing high-resolution images of live cells and tissues at the organelle level. The KAIST research team has developed core technologies and demonstrated its applications in various fields, including regenerative medicine and cancer research.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Reviews Methods Primers·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 2024

Chlamydia can settle in the intestine

Researchers found that Chlamydia bacteria can persist in the intestines of humans, where they form a permanent reservoir and evade antibiotic treatment. The bacteria preferentially infect the inner cell layer of intestinal organoids, but not the outer epithelial layer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024

Chlamydia can infect gastrointestinal epithelial cells in the lab

Researchers have successfully infected gastrointestinal epithelial cells with Chlamydia trachomatis using lab-grown human organoids. This finding supports the theory that Chlamydia can form a reservoir in the human gut, highlighting the importance of further investigation into this potential reservoir.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 22, 2024

Brain enlargement is linked to severe symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, study shows

A study of over 900 children with autism spectrum disorder found that brain overgrowth is associated with increased social and communication symptoms. The research used MRI brain images and mini-brain experiments to show that enlarged brains are linked to altered Ndel1 enzyme activity, potentially affecting brain development.

Organoids in gastrointestinal diseases: from bench to clinic

Organoids models provide a comprehensive understanding of gastrointestinal disease etiology, highlighting complex interactions between genetic predisposition and gut microbiota. The review demonstrates the application of organoid models from bench to clinic for simulating host-microbial interactions and developing treatment strategies.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 20, 2024

“Prelude” to neuromuscular disease SMA may offer chances for better treatment

Researchers found anomalies in embryonic development of individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which could lead to new treatment options. These abnormalities were recreated in laboratory-grown tissue cultures called organoids, revealing key insights into the disease's progression.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

For the first time scientists managed to generate kidney organoids with a complex vascular system

Researchers at IBEC successfully generated kidney organoids with a complex vascular system, a breakthrough that could revolutionize disease modeling and drug screening. This achievement was made possible by combining 3D kidney organoids with endothelial organoids in a process that mimics the development of human kidneys.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Gilbert Family Foundation invests $21 million to launch new research initiative focused on developing advanced disease models to accelerate cure for neurofibromatosis

The Gilbert Family Foundation has invested $21 million in grants to launch the Next-Generation NF1 Models Initiative, a research program focused on developing advanced models of the NF1 disease. The initiative aims to accelerate the discovery of treatments that address both symptoms and underlying causes of neurofibromatosis.

Gene-based therapy restores cellular development and function in brain cells from people with Timothy syndrome

Researchers developed a gene-based therapy that restored typical cellular function in organoids created from cells of people with Timothy syndrome. The treatment used antisense oligonucleotides to decrease the use of mutated exon 8A and increase reliance on non-affected exon 8, restoring normal calcium channel functioning.