Scientists have grown organoids from cells from the amniotic fluid of an embryo

Kidney organoid from cells from amniotic fluid

Giuseppe Cala, Paolo De Coppi, Mattia Gerli/PA

Scientists have grown “mini-organs” from cells from the amniotic fluid of an embryo. They can help to understand the causes of defects in the fetus and find methods of their treatment.

About this informs The Guardian citing research, published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine.

An organoid is a tiny, simplified three-dimensional version of an organ that mimics its features and functions. With their help, scientists observe the growth and aging of organs, the progression of diseases, and test treatment methods.

An international group of scientists led by British doctors analyzed the amniotic fluid taken from 12 pregnant women. Most of the cells in it were dead. However, a small part turned out to be stem cells for the creation of the child’s lungs, kidneys and intestines.

The researchers decided to grow 3D organoids from them. Their width did not exceed 1 millimeter.

This is the first time that such organoids have been obtained from untreated cells in liquid. This should help to understand the causes and learn more about the progression of developmental disabilities that affect 3-6% of babies worldwide.

Scientists have created lung organoids from the cells of unborn children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Babies with this condition have a hole in their diaphragm, which controls breathing. This opening allows organs in the abdominal cavity to press on the lungs and prevent their growth.

Comparison of organoids of sick babies before and after treatment showed significant positive differences in their development.

“This is the first case when we were able to make a functional assessment of the child’s congenital condition even before birth,” – said study co-author Paolo De Coppi.

The same approach can be used to study other congenital diseases that affect the lungs, kidneys, and intestines. Potentially, drugs to ease their course will first be tested on organoids.

We will remind, scientists for the first time created brain organoid from fetal brain tissue.

Also scientists raised inside pigs, kidneys that contained mostly human cells.