Unveiling the potential: implications of successful somatic cell-to-ganglion organoid reprogramming

Abstract

Organoids have a wide range of potential applications in areas such as organ development, precision medicine, regenerative medicine, drug screening, disease modeling, and gene editing. Currently, most organoids are generated through three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture of adult stem cells or pluripotent stem cells. However, this method of generating organoids still has several limitations and challenges, including complex manipulations, costly culturing materials, extended time requirements, and certain heterogeneity. Recently, we have found that fibroblasts, when overexpressing several key regulatory transcription factors, are able to directly and rapidly generate two types of ganglion organoids: sensory ganglion (SG) and autonomic ganglion (AG) organoids. They have structures and electrophysiological properties similar to those of endogenous organs in the body. Here, we provide a brief overview of organoid development, focusing on direct reprogramming of SG and AG organoids and their transplantation and regeneration. Finally, the advantages and prospects of direct reprogramming of organoids are discussed.