Optimization of gene editing tools into human organoid models

Organoids are powerful cellular models that can advance our understanding of human biology and disease progression. They can be generated from human patient samples and be used to screen the best treatment course for patients, thereby allowing for a personalized therapeutic approach. However, a major challenge facing the organoid field is the lack of standard, optimized protocols for many experimental workflows. Without streamlined approaches adapted specifically for organoids, research progress and utilization of organoid models will be stalled. The objective of this project is to create standardized, open-source protocols for efficient genetic editing of different types of human organoid models. The interns funded through this proposal will work closely with scientists within the partner organization, the Childrens Health Research Institute, who have developed these protocols but have not yet standardized them across different human organoid models. The interns will generate these genetically edited human organoid models and then validate protocols by studying cellular signaling within modified human organoids. This project will enable researchers within the partner organization to overcome technical barriers associated with using human organoid models, generate high-quality data, and expand the use of human organoids to investigate complex cellular behaviors and disease mechanisms.

Faculty Supervisor:

Van Lu;Christopher Pin

Student:

Partner:

London Health Sciences Centre

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: