Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have achieved a significant breakthrough by creating a “mini-heart” organoid using stem cells. This development opens up new possibilities for studying heart development and diseases. The organoid, which consists of both heart muscle cells and cells from the outer layer of the heart, allows for the replication of patient-specific heart conditions. In the future, this could reduce the reliance on animal testing in drug development.
The team, led by Professor Alessandra Moretti, successfully induced stem cells to mimic the process of human heart development, resulting in the creation of the organoid. This achievement provides valuable insights into the early stages of heart formation and facilitates research into heart-related diseases.
One of the challenges in studying heart development is the limited knowledge we have of the intricate details during the initial weeks of conception, which often go unnoticed by women. Animal research, while informative, does not always translate directly to human beings. Therefore, the organoid created by the TUM team holds great significance for the scientific community.
To create the “mini-heart,” the team used pluripotent stem cells. These cells were spun into a sphere containing approximately 35,000 cells using a centrifuge. Over several weeks, various signaling molecules were added to the cell culture according to a specific protocol, replicating the signaling pathways that control heart development in the body. The team’s work has been published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
The resulting organoids are about 0.5 millimeters in diameter. Although they do not pump blood, they can be electrically stimulated and exhibit contraction similar to human heart chambers. Professor Moretti and her team achieved a groundbreaking feat by successfully creating an organoid that contains both heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) and cells from the outer layer of the heart wall (epicardium). Previous studies had only managed to create organoids with cardiomyocytes and cells from the inner layer of the heart wall (endocardium).
The epicardium, the outer layer of the heart wall, plays a crucial role in heart formation and the development of heart chambers. By including epicardium cells in the organoids, the team has expanded our understanding of how the heart forms and functions. These novel organoids are aptly named “epicardioids.”
During their research, the team made another significant discovery. Through the analysis of individual cells, they found precursor cells, which were recently discovered in mice, forming around the seventh day of organoid development. These precursor cells give rise to the epicardium. The team believes that similar cells likely exist in the human body, albeit for a short period. These insights may help explain why the fetal heart has a remarkable ability to repair itself, a capability largely absent in the adult human heart. This knowledge could lead to new treatment methods for heart attacks and other heart conditions.
Furthermore, the organoids can be personalized to investigate specific illnesses in individual patients. By using pluripotent stem cells from patients with conditions such as Noonan syndrome, the researchers created organoids that accurately mimic the characteristics of those conditions. In the future, this personalized approach to organoid research could facilitate direct testing of drugs on these models, potentially reducing the need for animal experiments during drug development.
The team has filed an international patent for their process of creating heart organoids. This breakthrough is part of a broader research focus on organoids at TUM. The Center for Organoid Systems brings together researchers from various departments and chairs to conduct interdisciplinary research on organoids, including pancreas, brain, and heart organoids. By employing advanced imaging and cellular analysis, they aim to study organ formation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, making significant advancements in medicine using human 3D systems.
Funding for this study was provided by the European Research Council.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mini-heart organoid
What is a “mini-heart” organoid and how is it created?
A “mini-heart” organoid is a small, lab-grown structure that mimics the characteristics of a human heart. It is created using pluripotent stem cells, which are spun into a sphere and treated with specific signaling molecules over several weeks to replicate the developmental pathways of the heart.
What is the significance of creating a “mini-heart” organoid?
Creating a “mini-heart” organoid holds great significance for scientific research. It provides a model to study heart development and diseases, offering insights into the initial stages of heart formation. Additionally, it allows for the replication of patient-specific heart conditions, potentially reducing the need for animal testing in future drug development.
What can be learned from studying these “mini-heart” organoids?
Studying “mini-heart” organoids can enhance our understanding of heart development and related diseases. It can shed light on the role of epicardium cells in forming heart chambers and provide insights into why the fetal heart has regenerative capabilities that the adult heart lacks. This knowledge can contribute to finding new treatment methods for heart conditions like heart attacks.
How can personalized organoids be used in research?
Personalized organoids can be created by using pluripotent stem cells from patients with specific conditions. These organoids accurately mimic the characteristics of the patient’s condition, allowing researchers to investigate the disease in a controlled environment. This personalized approach can help in understanding the mechanisms underlying various congenital heart defects and may lead to targeted therapies.
Can the use of “mini-heart” organoids reduce animal testing in drug development?
Yes, the development of “mini-heart” organoids offers the potential to reduce reliance on animal testing in drug development. By testing drugs directly on these organoids, researchers can gain valuable insights into drug effectiveness and safety, potentially decreasing the need for animal experiments. This approach aligns with the growing emphasis on ethical and alternative methods in pharmaceutical research.
More about Mini-heart organoid
- Technical University of Munich
- Nature Biotechnology: “Epicardioid single-cell genomics uncovers principles of human epicardium biology in heart development and disease”
