ヒト臓器の創出に向けた戦略的研究

抄録

Organ transplantation is the only curative method for treating end-stage organ failure. Over the past decade, there has been increased demand for organ transplantations throughout the world because of the increased incidence of organ failure. A critical shortage of donor organs highlights the urgent need for generating organs from human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for transplantation of organ buds created in vitro. Human vasculatures in iPSC-organ bud transplants became functional by connecting to the recipient's vessels. The formation of functional vasculatures stimulated the maturation of iPSC-organ bud into tissue resembling the adult organ. This method is the alternative way to the generation of functional human organs from pluripotent stem cells. Although efforts must ensue to translate these techniques to treatments for patients, this proof-of-concept demonstration of organ-bud transplantation provides a promising new approach to a critical shortage of donor organs for treating end-stage organ failures.