Porcine intestinal organoids as a model to explore the function of the small intestinal epithelium

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Scope of the method

The Method relates to

Animal health

The Method is situated in

Basic Research
Translational - Applied Research

Type of method

In vitro - Ex vivo

This method makes use of

Animal derived cells / tissues / organs

Species from which cells/tissues/organs are derived

swine

Type of cells/tissues/organs

small intestine

Description

Method keywords

gut organoids
epithelium
adult stem cells
3D Cell culture
primary cell culture

Scientific area keywords

Host-pathogen interactions
epithelial cells
drug transport
gut health
gut barrier

Method description

Advances in cell culture methods allowed 3D culture of gut epithelial cells derived from adult intestinal epithelial stem cells in mice and humans. We show that starting from crypts cultured in an extracellular matrix hydrogel together with essential growth factors, gut organoids can be grown from all segments of the small intestine in swine. These gut organoids and better mimic the in vivo environment in response to bacterial toxines as compared to traditional cell lines. Small intestinal organoids will be instrumental to decipher epithelial cell responses to gut pathogens, to model drug transport and to evaluate effect of compounds on gut health in swine.

Lab equipment

- Incubator;
- Biosafety cabinet.

Method status

Still in development
Published in peer reviewed journal

Pros, cons & Future potential

Advantages

- Primary cells;
- Better resembles in vivo intestine;
- 3D cultures;
- Versatile applications.

Challenges

- Access to the apical membrane of the epithelial cells in 3D culture;
- Lack of other cell types, such as immune cells.

Modifications

Co-cultures with other cells, like immune cells, might be explored.

References, associated documents and other information

References

Vermeire B., Gonzalez L.M., Jansens R.J.J., Cox E., Devriendt B., 2021. Porcine small intestinal organoids as a model to explore ETEC–host interactions in the gut. Veterinary Research 52:94. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13567-021-00961-7

Associated documents

2021h Vermeire B et al porcine small intestinal organoids and ETEC_Vet Res.pdf