A study published in the journal Engineering has introduced a new method for creating functional organoids from human adult adipose tissue. The approach, developed by researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the Shanghai Institute for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, eliminates the need for traditional stem cell isolation and genetic manipulation.
The research team used a specialized suspension culture system to form reaggregated microfat (RMF) tissues. These RMF tissues were able to differentiate into organoids representing all three germ layers: mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm. The process does not require single-cell processing.
One significant result of the study was the creation of humanized bone marrow organoids from RMF tissues. These organoids supported human hematopoiesis when implanted in immunodeficient mice. The RMF pellets underwent endochondral ossification and formed ossicles containing both endosteal and perivascular niches, which allowed for engraftment and differentiation of human hematopoietic stem cells.
The study also examined the potential of RMF tissues to develop into insulin-producing islet organoids. Researchers used a four-stage protocol to guide differentiation through various stages including definitive endoderm, pancreatic progenitor, endocrine progenitor, and β-cell stages. The resulting islet organoids secreted insulin in response to glucose stimulation. When transplanted into diabetic mice, these organoids quickly vascularized and normalized blood glucose levels throughout the study period.
Additionally, RMF tissues demonstrated ectodermal differentiation potential by forming neural-like tissues. Induced RMF pellets generated neurospheres that differentiated into neuronal and neuroglial lineages expressing markers for neural stem cells as well as mature neurons and glial cells.
The findings suggest that using adipose tissue could offer a practical source for generating functional organoids without complex procedures or genetic modification. According to the researchers, this strategy may support future therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine—particularly in treating diabetes or blood disorders—and highlights the importance of accessible sources for developing advanced medical treatments.
