In vitro cell culture models are indispensable tools for translational research, but the biological relevance of 2-D cell lines is limited by reduced cell-to-cell interactions compared to original tissue niches. This is especially true for anatomically and physiologically diverse organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, which depends on communication between various cell types to achieve distinct yet coordinated functions along its length.
3-D organoid cell culture models—miniature organs grown from tissue-derived stem cells—are useful alternatives to traditional 2-D systems. Despite their advantages, the added cost and burden of growing and maintaining a patient-derived organoid biobank creates an insurmountable hurdle for many researchers who may opt instead to use animal models. However, animal models have their own limitations, particularly for human gastrointestinal disorders that differ anatomically, genetically, and physiologically from their animal counterparts.
MilliporeSigma provides a cost-effective 3-D gastrointestinal biobank of over 50 well-characterized organoids that adheres to industry quality standards and provides a versatile, easily-accessible translational research tool. Their 3dGRO Gastrointestinal PDO Biobank Organoids are derived from a wide range of normal and diseased adult patient tissue samples, including stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer.
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