Organoids and 3D Models Unit
Organoids Unit MED MUNI
Responsible persons: Assoc. Prof. Tomáš Bárta, Ph.D., M.Sc. & Dáša Bohačiaková, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Organoids, or mini-organs, are self-organizing multicellular structures derived from stem/progenitor cells in vitro that recapitulate the architecture and function of organs to a high degree. They are an effective tool for studying a wide range of biological questions, including organ development and disease processes, and are thus one of the most advanced tools in preclinical research. Alongside animal models, human organoids are a unique system for studying human diseases, including infectious diseases, genetic disorders, and tumours, through the genetic engineering of human stem cells or the derivation of organoids from patient biopsy samples. Last but not least, organoids are an effective tool for drug testing and the development of personalized therapies.
A specific category of organoid models are tumor organoids (tumoroids), which are derived directly from patient tumor cells and retain key characteristics of the original malignancy, including cellular heterogeneity, invasive behavior, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Tumoroids represent a highly clinically relevant platform for preclinical testing of anticancer therapies, investigating mechanisms of drug resistance, and evaluating therapeutic interventions under conditions that more closely reflect human biology than conventional 2D cell cultures. When combined with co-culture systems, they also enable the study of tumor cell migration and complex cellular interactions within a three-dimensional environment.
The organoid unit will be a central laboratory for the derivation, creation, cultivation, modification, control, basic analysis, and cryopreservation of organoids. The unit will be equipped with appropriate instrumentation, including 3D bioprinting technology, which will enable the creation of complex living structures supported by extracellular matrix. The unit's activities will be closely linked to other PC units, including 1) experimental animal breeding as a source of animal tissue for organoid derivation or, conversely, for organoid transplantation into animals, 2) a unit for in vivo imaging, 3) laboratories where more detailed analysis of organoids will be carried out using molecular biology and imaging methods, 4) a cryobank for storing biological material, and others.
What services/products will the unit provide?
Generation and comprehensive characterization of hiPSC lines (pluripotency assessment, STR profiling, karyotyping, mycoplasma testing, confirmation of absence of reprogramming factors)
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genetic engineering of hiPSCs (knock-out/knock-in), including validation
Differentiation of hiPSCs into 2D cellular models (neurons, glial cells, retinal cells)
Generation of 3D models: brain and retinal organoids
Disease modeling of neurological and retinal disorders and drug testing in 2D/3D systems
Electrophysiological analysis of neuronal networks using MEA (Axion) and HD-MEA platforms (BioCAM DupleX; 3Brain)
Culture of patient-derived glioblastoma tumoroids and co-culture models with cerebral organoids for preclinical testing of tumor migration and therapeutic response
Fabrication of 3D structures using bioprinting technology (BioAssemblyBot 500; Advanced Solutions)
Expert consultation and methodological support tailored to the needs of collaborating laboratories
(specific parameters must be consulted in advance with Assoc. Prof. Bárta or Dr. Bohačiaková, email: bohaciakova@med.muni.cz; email: tbarta@med.muni.cz
Organoids and 3D Models Unit SCI MUNI
Responsible person: RNDr. Vendula Hlaváčková Pospíchalová, Ph.D.
The Faculty of Science's Organoid and 3D Model Unit also provides a platform for working with ascites, i.e., tumour organoids (tumoroids) derived from malignant ascites in patients with ovarian cancer (OvCa). These models preserve the tumour heterogeneity and molecular characteristics of the original tumour and represent a highly clinically relevant system for preclinical drug testing. At the same time, they are a more accurate biological model reflecting the postoperative residual cell composition of the tumour, with the possibility of testing the therapeutic response in the time window between cytoreductive surgery and the start of systemic treatment.
Services provided in the field of ascitoids (3D tumour models derived from ascitic fluid):
Derivation and culture of ascitiod lines
Long-term expansion and cryopreservation of ascitoid lines
Preclinical testing of drugs, including standard chemotherapy (carboplatin, paclitaxel) and targeted therapy (PARP inhibitors)
(specific parameters regarding ascitoid derivation and testing of response to treatment must be consulted in advance with Dr. Hlaváčková Pospíchalová; email: pospich@sci.muni.cz)