Organoids
Thanks to revolutionary developments in stem cell research, scientists can grow organoids, lab-grown miniature versions of organs, in the lab. They are are transforming science and medicine. Researchers from Utrecht are joining forces and growing, among other things, mini intestines, livers and kidneys for medical research and testing medicines.
Hans Clevers is 'the organoid architect'
Science talks to the organoid architect, professor Hans Clevers.
Mini-organs predict the effect of drugs on cystic fribosis
Utrecht researchers have demonstrated that a mini-organ grown outside the body can be used to predict the effectiveness of drugs.
Bart Spee in the Dutch podcast ‘Makkelijk Praten’
Bart Spee gives Makkelijk Praten a tour through the Regenerative Medicine Centre Utrecht, where they talk about growing mini-livers in the lab. (in Dutch)
Hans Clevers - adult stem cell-based organoids
The Clevers group studies the molecular mechanisms of tissue development and cancer of various organs using organoids made from adult Lgr5 stem cells..
Marianne Verhaar - kidney organoids
Verhaar's research focuses on regenerative nephrology and vascular biology.
Jeffrey Beekman - colon organoids
Beekman leads a research group that develops stem cell based culture and assay technology to model human pulmonary disease, and currently mostly focusses on (personalized) treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Bart Spee - liver organoids
Spee investigates the use of stem cells, ranging from adult stem cells (organoids) to mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) for functional recovery of liver diseases. One of the main focus points of the research is the transplantation of adult stem cells in a canine model for Wilsons disease.