title: Novel approaches: Tissue engineering and stem cells--In vitro modelling of the gut.
abstract: In many intestinal diseases, the function of the epithelial lining is impaired. In this review, we describe the recent developments of in vitro intestinal stem cell cultures. When these stem cells are grown in 3D structures (organoids), they provide a model of the intestinal epithelium, which is closely similar to the growth and development of the in vivo gut. This model provides a new tool to study various diseases of malabsorption in functional detail and therapeutic applications, which could not be achieved with traditional cell lines. First, we describe the organization and function of the healthy small intestinal epithelium. Then, we discuss the establishment of organoid cultures and how these structures represent the healthy epithelium. Finally, we discuss organoid cultures as a tool for studying intrinsic properties of the epithelium, as a model for intestinal disease, and as a possible source for stem cell transplantations.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jorik M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: van Rijn
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schneeberger
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Caroline L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Wiegerinck
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Edward E S
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Nieuwenhuis
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatrics, Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Middendorp
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D040542:Mechanotransduction, Cellular / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009940:Organoids / Q000378:metabolism; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Disease modelling; Intestinal epithelial cells; Organoids; Stem cell therapy