Editing Stem cell (section)

=== Organoids ===
Research is attempting to generating [[organoid]]s using stem cells, which would allow for further understanding of human development, [[organogenesis]], and modeling of human diseases.<ref name="pmid25033469">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ader M, Tanaka EM | title = Modeling human development in 3D culture | journal = Current Opinion in Cell Biology | volume = 31 | pages = 23–28 | date = December 2014 | pmid = 25033469 | doi = 10.1016/j.ceb.2014.06.013 }}</ref> Engineered ‘synthetic organizer’ (SO) cells can instruct stem cells to grow into specific tissues and organs. The program used native and synthetic [[Cell adhesion molecules|cell adhesion protein molecules]] (CAMs) that help make cells sticky. The organizer cells self-assembled around mouse ESCs. These cells were engineered to produce [[morphogens]] (signaling molecules) that direct cellular development based on their concentration. Delivered morphogens disperse, leaving higher concentrations closer to the source and lower concentrations further away. These gradients signal cells' ultimate roles, such as nerve, skin cell, or connective tissue. The engineered organizer cells were also fitted with a chemical switch that enabled the researchers to turn the delivery of cellular instructions on and off, as well as a ‘suicide switch’ for eliminating the cells when needed. SOs carry spatial and biochemical information,  allowing considerable discretion in organoid formation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McClure |first=Paul |date=2024-12-27 |title=Stem cells 'instructed' to form specific tissues and organs |url=https://newatlas.com/medical/stem-cells-organizing-cell-morphogens/ |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=New Atlas |language=en-US}}</ref>