Organoids as complex (bio)systems

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

Cell and Developmental Biology

Tiago G. Fernandes¹ 

[1] Department of Bioengineering and iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal;Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal;

关键词: complex systems;    organoids;    stem cells;    systems biology;    disease modeling;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fcell.2023.1268540

 received in 2023-07-28, accepted in 2023-08-14,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Organoids are three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells that mimic the organization and function of specific organs, making them valuable tools for studying complex systems in biology. This paper explores the application of complex systems theory to understand and characterize organoids as exemplars of intricate biological systems. By identifying and analyzing common design principles observed across diverse natural, technological, and social complex systems, we can gain insights into the underlying mechanisms governing organoid behavior and function. This review outlines general design principles found in complex systems and demonstrates how these principles manifest within organoids. By acknowledging organoids as representations of complex systems, we can illuminate our understanding of their normal physiological behavior and gain valuable insights into the alterations that can lead to disease. Therefore, incorporating complex systems theory into the study of organoids may foster novel perspectives in biology and pave the way for new avenues of research and therapeutic interventions to improve human health and wellbeing.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Fernandes.