Research | Research Project for Organ Regeneration funded by Organ Technologies Inc.

Almost all fetal organs develop from the organ germs, induced by epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells; they are produced at a certain position and in a certain quantity (upper left figure). The development of the organ germs is regulated by epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. The organ germ produces various cells as well as organs that have organ-specific shapes and structures.

Although it has tried to manufacture three-dimensional artificial organs via cell aggregation, carrier and cells for more than 30 years, well-functioning organs have not been produced yet. Therefore, we have developed the concept that organs can be regenerated from organ germs by reproducing the organogenesis process (below left figure).