UC San Diego

Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids have transformed our ability to recreate complex three-dimensional models of human tissue. However, the directed differentiation methods used to create them do not afford the ability to introduce cross-germ-layer cell types. Here, we present a bottom-up engineering approach to building vascularized human tissue by combining genetic reprogramming with chemically directed organoid differentiation. As a proof of concept, we created neuro-vascular and myo-vascular organoids via transcription factor overexpression in vascular organoids. We comprehensively characterized neuro-vascular organoids in terms of marker gene expression and composition, and demonstrated that the organoids maintain neural and vascular function for at least 45 days in culture. Finally, we demonstrated chronic electrical stimulation of myo-vascular organoid aggregates as a potential path toward engineering mature and large-scale vascularized skeletal muscle tissue from organoids. Our approach offers a roadmap to build diverse vascularized tissues of any type derived entirely from pluripotent stem cells.