Organoids to Model Human Disease

The historical dependence of biological research on the use of animal models has sometimes made it difficult to answer questions specific to understanding human biology and disease.

Human organoids - laboratory-grown organ-like cell cultures derived from stem cells - are now revolutionizing medical research by making it possible to recreate in detail the architecture and physiology of human organs. They offer unique opportunities for studying infectious diseases, genetic disorders, cancer and can even mimic embryonic developmental stages. Organoid research opens up new therapeutic options tailored for the individual or for small groups of patients.

Prof. Johannes Clevers, Ph.D., immunologist and molecular geneticist, teaches at Utrecht University. He is a pioneer in the field of organoids and made important contributions to the understanding of the development of cancer. For example, he showed that stem cells and cancer cells use the same mechanisms. He is one of the favorites for a Nobel Prize.

Language: English

In the framework of the International Science Festival - Geist Heidelberg

Back to overview