Scientists have used organoid technology to grow miniature versions of mouse lacrimal glands and
New research uses organoids toas a model for studying how certain human lacrimal gland cells function. Scientists around the world can use this model to identify new treatment options for patients with tear gland diseases (such as dry eye syndrome). The scientists expressed hope that in the future the organoids could be transplanted into patients with non-functioning lacrimal glands. The results were published in the journal Cell stem cellMarch 16.
The lacrimal gland is located at the topeye sockets. It secretes tear fluid, which is essential for lubricating and nourishing the cornea, and has antibacterial ingredients. Dysfunction of the lacrimal gland, such as in Sjogren's syndrome, can have serious consequences, including dry eyes or even corneal ulceration. In severe cases, this leads to blindness. The problem is that the exact biology of the functioning of the lacrimal gland was unknown, and there was no reliable model to study it. This has been the case until now: Researchers from the Hans Klevers group (Hubrecht Institute) have presented the first human model to study how the lacrimal gland cells function and what can go wrong in the process.
After scientists grew organelleslacrimal glands, their job was to make them cry. Organoids are grown using a cocktail of growth-promoting factors. However, biologists had to change the usual cocktail so that the organelles could cry. Once the researchers found the right blend of growth factors, they were able to induce tears as well. Human eyes are always moist, like the lacrimal glands grown in the laboratory, scientists say.
Just like people cry back, e.g.in response to pain, the organelles cry in response to chemical stimuli such as norepinephrine. Organelle cells shed tears on the inside of the organoid, which is called the lumen. As a result, the organoid inflates like a balloon. Thus, size can be used as an indicator of tear production and secretion. Further experiments showed that different tear gland cells produce different tear components. And these cells respond differently to the stimuli that cause tears.
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