Proteins for Organoid Culture

Organoids are miniature, simplified organs that are generated in vitro as model systems to study human tissue development and disease, screen for drug toxicity, and evaluate personalized medicines. Organoids are derived from either embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can self-renew, differentiate, and self-organize into multicellular, organ-like structures under specific culture conditions. These organ-like structures display similar architecture and functions as their tissues of origin and they are amenable to long-term passaging and manipulation. Organoid models have been developed for many different human tissues, including brain, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas, among others.

Identifying the ideal conditions for optimal organoid growth can be difficult due to the following factors: 1) complexities in the protocols that have been developed; 2) the requirement for multiple culture components and specialized culture methods that differ based on the type of organoid being cultured; and 3) culture variabilities that may occur and make it challenging to establish robust, reproducible culture conditions. As a result, researchers frequently spend a considerable amount of time and experimentation trying to identify optimal conditions for organoid growth. Once appropriate conditions have been established, further work is needed to make sure that the conditions are reproducible so that the organoid system is consistent from one experiment to the next.

The formation of organoids is facilitated by protein-rich extracellular matrices that provide a scaffold for the cells to attach to and organize into 3-D structures, along with a defined combination of required growth factors and small molecules. These media components are essential to activate or inhibit specific signaling pathways that drive the differentiation required to generate and sustain specific organoid types. Therefore, it is essential that these growth factors display not only high levels of activity, but also provide consistent performance, so researchers can be confident that their results will be reproducible over time.

R&D Systems growth factors are rigorously tested to ensure that they will provide the highest levels of bioactivity and lot-to-lot consistency. Utilizing over 900 different bioassays, the biological activity of every protein we offer is tested in an appropriate bioassay to confirm that it meets our strict QC activity parameters. We also evaluate the lot-to-lot consistency of our proteins by testing each new lot side-by-side with previous lots and with a master lot, so researchers can be confident in the reproducibility of their results. With over 30 years of experience purifying and manufacturing proteins and a portfolio of more than 5000 proteins, R&D Systems history of quality has made us a highly trusted source of proteins for researchers worldwide. In addition to our standard research-grade proteins, we also offer Animal-Free RUO proteins and Animal-Free GMP-grade proteins to meet all your experimental needs. If the protein that you need isn’t listed on our website, please contact us. Whether you need a protein developed from scratch or customization of one of the proteins in our catalog, our Custom Protein Services team will work with you to develop the protein needed for your research.