Generation of human inner ear organoids from pluripotent stem cells and an organ-on-chip platform

Inner ear development involves the assembly of cells from a variety of different embryological origins. There is an unmet need for developing a human inner ear model in vitro to mimic both the complex structure and the function of the inner ear outside of the body. Since the human inner ear is difficult to biopsy, a major challenge is to accurately recapitulate the embryonic development of the inner ear from hiPSCs. However, our limited understanding of the microenvironmental niche in which human otic progenitors emerge and develop is a key barrier to progress. This project builds on our previous discovery of a 3D culture system that uses hiPSCs to generate inner ear (otic) organoid containing sensory epithelium, neurons, and mesenchymal cells. We also combine novel platforms such as organoid-on-a-chip (triple-decker inserts) to enable high-resolution time-lapse imaging of the inner ear vesicles. This provides a useful tool to study inner ear diseases and aids in the discovery of safe and precise therapies.

Author dc:creator

• Nalan, Nuoxi

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Duffy, Elizabeth R.
• Jones, Dennis

• Pathology

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2144/48348

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.bu.edu:2144/48348