Generation of parathyroid glands from pluripotent stem cells

Abstract

The parathyroid glands (PTGs) regulate calcium metabolism by secreting parathyroid hormone (PTH). Patients with hypoparathyroidism require lifelong replacement therapy, which is associated with risks of chronic kidney disease, bone fractures, and a reduced quality of life. Generating PTGs from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) offers a potential regenerative therapy for this condition. This review first explains PTG organogenesis, followed by an overview of both in vitro and in vivo approaches to PTG generation. In vitro studies have successfully induced PTH-expressing parathyroid cells from human PSCs. However, challenges remain, particularly in achieving sufficient PTH secretion and functional efficacy in vivo. Meanwhile, an in vivo organ generation technique known as blastocyst complementation has successfully produced functional PTGs in rodents. However, whether this technology can be applied using human PSCs and animal embryos remains unclear. Pluripotent stem cell-derived PTGs hold promise for both clinical applications and basic research, but further advancements will be necessary to overcome existing challenges in this field.