Researchers at University of Oulu develop innovative technique to enhance organoid vascularization for medical studies

At the University of Oulu, researchers have pioneered an innovative technique designed to enhance the study of various medical conditions such as kidney diseases, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. This approach enables the creation of a functional vascular system within cultured organoids, offering a more accurate model for kidney development and function. This advancement is particularly crucial for improving methods of kidney production for transplantation, especially in urgent scenarios where patients require immediate transplants.

Professor Seppo Vainio, an expert in developmental biology at the university, emphasized the importance of addressing genetic defects that can affect newborns, often necessitating quick access to viable organ transplants. In some cases, attempts can be made to correct genetic anomalies at the stem cell stage, although finding suitable kidney donors remains challenging.

The researchers focused on tissue cultures that lacked adequate vascularization techniques. Establishing effective vascular networks is essential in studying organs involved in blood filtration, like the kidneys. Their technique was initially based on utilizing the chicken embryo’s surrounding membranes. This allows the blood vessels of the organoid to connect with the chicken’s circulatory system, ensuring oxygen supply and promoting efficient blood flow.

A major breakthrough of this method is enabling the transplantation of vascularized organoids onto artificial scaffolds, ensuring they retain functional blood networks and maintained blood flow. This development could significantly reduce the need for animal testing in the creation of artificially designed organ models and facilitate longer-term studies, such as drug testing and the advancement of tissue technologies. The research findings were published in the journal Lab on a Chip in September.