Controlling organoid development with the help of DNA microspheres

The new molecular engineering method, developed by an interdisciplinary team, uses microspheres made from folded DNA. These spheres can contain signaling molecules that are released specifically at any point within the organoids. This happens through UV light irradiation and makes it possible to influence the development of the organoids in previously unknown ways. 

According to Dr. Cassian Afting, a medical scientist at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), it was previously not possible to control the growth of internal tissue structures. With the new approach, researchers can now determine exactly when and where developmental signals are triggered. This opens up new possibilities for organoid research, particularly with regard to the more realistic replication of tissue types. 

In a first step, the team tested the method on retinal organoids of the Japanese rice fish medaka. Microspheres loaded with Wnt signaling molecules were introduced into the tissue. This made it possible to form cells of the retinal pigment epithelium next to neuroretinal tissue. 

“Thanks to the localized release of signaling molecules, we were able to achieve a more realistic mix of cell types, thereby more closely mimicking the natural cell composition of the fish eye than with conventional cell cultures,” says Prof. Kerstin Göpfrich, a researcher in the field of synthetic biology. The scientists see great potential in this process, as the DNA microspheres can be flexibly adapted to different types of tissue and signaling molecules. 

Prof. Joachim Wittbrodt, developmental biologist at COS, emphasizes: “More sophisticated organoid models could accelerate research on human development and disease and potentially lead to better organoid-based drug research.” 

The research work was carried out as part of the “3D Matter Made to Order” Cluster of Excellence, which is supported by Heidelberg University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The project was funded by the European Research Council and the German Research Foundation. The results have been published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Heidelberg University