Esophagus in a test tube

Scientists have grown esophageal organoids

Alexey Yevglevsky, N+1

Researchers from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (USA) used pluripotent stem cells to grow esophageal organoids. Previously, they used them to grow intestines and stomach. The work was published in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

Pluripotent stem cells can change into all types of cells, except cells of extra-embryonic organs (placenta and yolk sac). Scientists have applied the method of genetic engineering to understand how to create esophageal organoids with their help.

Biologists have focused on a gene called Sox2 and its associated proteins. They used mice and frogs for experiments. They found that during the development of embryos, this gene blocks genetic commands, as a result of which cells could develop into part of the respiratory system. Instead, they turned into an integral part of the esophagus.

To test the hypothesis, the researchers blocked the action of the gene in developing mice. As a result, they recorded an unusual malformation. When Sox2 was "turned off", the rodents' esophagus ended with a small pouch and did not connect to the stomach. This proved the critical role of Sox2 in the development of the esophagus.

The development of organoids for two months / ©Cell Stem Cell

The information obtained allowed scientists to grow the "rudiments" of the esophagus from 0.3 to 0.8 millimeters long from pluripotent stem cells in two months. According to the authors, artificial tissue is incredibly similar in its properties to natural samples taken from patients. It will serve as an experimental model for the study of congenital and acquired diseases, such as esophageal atresia, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal cancer and many others.

Previously, Chinese researchers transplanted ear shells created using 3D printing to children with microtia. New ears for transplantation were grown from patients' own cells.

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