Organoid Cultures In Silico: Tools or Toys?

The implementation of stem-cell-based organoid culture more than ten years ago started a development that created new avenues for diagnostic analyses and regenerative medicine. In parallel, computational modelling groups realized the potential of this culture system to support their theoretical appr...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Torsten Thalheim, Gabriela Aust, Joerg Galle
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-12-01
Series:Bioengineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/10/1/50
Description
Summary:The implementation of stem-cell-based organoid culture more than ten years ago started a development that created new avenues for diagnostic analyses and regenerative medicine. In parallel, computational modelling groups realized the potential of this culture system to support their theoretical approaches to study tissues in silico. These groups developed computational organoid models (COMs) that enabled testing consistency between cell biological data and developing theories of tissue self-organization. The models supported a mechanistic understanding of organoid growth and maturation and helped linking cell mechanics and tissue shape in general. What comes next? Can we use COMs as tools to complement the equipment of our biological and medical research? While these models already support experimental design, can they also quantitatively predict tissue behavior? Here, we review the current state of the art of COMs and discuss perspectives for their application.
ISSN:2306-5354