3D Organoid Core Services and Fees

The 3D Organoid Core facilitates the efficient production and maintenance of multiple organoid lines derived from a variety of locations within the human body on an as-needed basis through a centralized mechanism. Routine tasks pertaining to the maintenance of organoid cultures are performed by dedicated, trained technical staff in over 2000 sq. ft. of space with controlled, filtered airflow. The facility includes incubators dedicated to the generation and propagation of organoid lines, a biosafety cabinet, refrigeration units, dissecting and light microscopes, and a tabletop centrifuge for use during the proliferation and differentiation of organoid lines. Significant core efforts are focused on quality control and validation of all reagents provided to users.  

All organoid lines are derived from stem cells isolated from donated tissues collected under IRB-approved protocols, with donor consent for the establishment of organoid lines. Stem cells are isolated from donor samples, enzymatically digested, and cultured in Matrigel® with media containing growth factors to enhance proliferation and allow expansion. Once established, each organoid line is expanded, tested for mycoplasma contamination, frozen, and stored in liquid nitrogen until further use. These organoids can be grown in both 3D and 2D formats depending on the biological question to be addressed. Some validation data is available on select lines.  A wide array of organoids developed from donors with various demographic characteristics, including age, sex, and ethnicity, are maintained by the core, allowing the individual users to consider how these variables interact with different scientific questions. Additionally, the core can generate new organoid lines to address specific demographic variables as needed. Currently the core has a large catalog of healthy and diseased gastrointestinal organoids, liver organoids, upper and lower heathy and diseased airway organoids, vaginal organoids, bladder organoids, and skin organoids.  Many other epithelial surface organoids are currently under development. The core also generates the necessary media for organoid cultures. All media undergo quality control procedures, including testing for mycoplasma contamination, monitoring for growth factor activity, and ability to support organoid growth via reporter assays. Dedicated technical staff will provide organoid cultures and appropriate media to users upon request.