Organoids, three-dimensional cultures derived from stem cells, have rapidly emerged as a transformative technology within biomedical research. By closely mimicking the structure and function of native human tissues, organoids offer a more physiologically relevant model than traditional two-dimensional cultures. This advancement allows for a more accurate and predictive study of diseases, facilitating breakthroughs in understanding complex biological systems. Organoids hold immense promises across a range of domains, including disease modeling, cancer drug screening, drug toxicity testing and the development of gene and cell therapies. They have become indispensable for replicating the pathophysiology of various diseases, evaluating therapeutic candidates, assessing drug safety and advancing regenerative medicine.
The research topic will explore the broad applications of organoid technology in the fields of disease modeling, cancer research, drug discovery and gene therapies. By examining the multifaceted potential of organoids, this collection aims to highlight their role in advancing our understanding of human diseases, enhancing the precision of therapeutic interventions, and accelerating innovations in regenerative medicine.
We encourage submissions of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Hypothesis and Theory, focusing on but not limited to the following aspects:
1. Organoid models for investigating the pathophysiology and mechanisms of various diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, digestive, respiratory and autoimmune diseases.
2. The use of organoids in high-throughput cancer drug screening, with a focus on tumor heterogeneity and mechanisms of drug resistance.
3. Organoids as alternatives to animal models for drug toxicity testing, particularly in studying organ-specific toxicity.
4. The application of gene-editing technologies and stem cell therapies in organoid models for advancing gene and cell therapies.
Keywords: organoids, gene editing, drug screening, drug toxicity testing, translational Research
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.