Cholangiocyte organoids for disease, cancer, and regenerative medicine

• Published in: European journal of cell biology Vol. 104; no. 1; p. 151472
• Main Authors: Nagao, Munemasa, Fukuda, Akihisa, Kashima, Hirotaka, Matsuyama, Sho, Iimori, Kei, Nakayama, Shinnosuke, Mizukoshi, Kenta, Kawai, Munenori, Yamakawa, Go, Omatsu, Mayuki, Namikawa, Mio, Masuda, Tomonori, Hiramatsu, Yukiko, Muta, Yu, Maruno, Takahisa, Nakanishi, Yuki, Tsuruyama, Tatsuaki, Seno, Hiroshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Elsevier GmbH 01.03.2025; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; bile ducts; Bile Ducts - cytology; Bile Ducts - pathology; Biliary cancer; carcinogenesis; cell biology; Cholangiocarcinoma; Cholangiocyte organoid; cystic fibrosis; genetic engineering; Humans; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells - cytology; medicine; mice; neoplasm progression; Neoplasms - pathology; Neoplasms - therapy; Organoid; organoids; Organoids - cytology; Organoids - pathology; precision medicine; Regenerative Medicine - methods; Organoid; Cholangiocyte organoid; Biliary cancer; Cholangiocarcinoma
• ISSN: 0171-9335; 1618-1298; 1618-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151472

The biliary tract is a ductal network comprising the intrahepatic (IHBDs) and extrahepatic bile duct (EHBDs). Biliary duct disorders include cholangitis, neoplasms, and injury. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. With advancements in 3D culture technology, cholangiocyte organoids (COs) derived from primary tissues or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can accurately replicate the structural and functional properties of biliary tissues. These organoids have become powerful tools for studying the pathogenesis of biliary diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and for developing new therapeutic strategies for cholangiocarcinoma. Additionally, COs have the potential to repair bile duct injuries and facilitate transplantation therapies. This review also discusses the use of organoids in genetically engineered mouse models to provide mechanistic insights into tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Continued innovation and standardization of organoid technology are crucial for advancing precision medicine for biliary diseases and cancer. •Biliary system consists of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts.•Cholangiocyte organoids (COs) from primary tissues and iPSC have been established.•Research on COs in biliary disease, cancer, and regenerative medicine has increased.•COs are useful in cholangiopathy and cancer treatments and safe transplantation.