Improved model of human small intestine

Researchers at the  Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4i) have collaborated on a study to improve small intestine organoids. These are miniature small intestines that researchers use to study the functioning of the small intestine during health and disease. Unlike previous small intestine organoids, the new miniature small intestines also contain Paneth cells, which are critical to the proper functioning of the organ. The results of the study were published in Cell Stem Cell  on August 23. The development of organoids has meant a great deal for research into the functioning of human organs and tissues. The mini-organs can closely mimic the processes within the human body. Yet some of the organoids developed do not yet fully correspond to the organs in our bodies.