Editorial: Emerging 3D and Animal Models in Diseases and Therapeutics

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Yong Teng, Emory University; Xiuping Yu, LSU Health-Shreveport; William C Cho, Queen Elizabeth Hospital
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-01-06
• Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022 Teng, Yu and Cho.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2021.831833
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
• Volume: 8
• Start Page: 831833
• End Page: 831833
• Grant/Funding Information: YT was funded by NIH-NIDCR grants R01DE028351 and R03DE028387.
• Keywords: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; 3D cell culture systems; Science & Technology; ZEBRAFISH; biomedical research; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; translational sciences; animal models; human diseases
• Research Categories: Chemistry, Biochemistry; Health Sciences, Oncology; Biology, Molecular

Abstract

Disease researchers have well studied the molecular and cellular properties of cell models propagated in two-dimensional (2D) culture. However, a lack of advanced in vitro and in vivo models has significantly impeded breakthroughs in understanding the fundamental mechanisms involved in diseases and thus, the development of new therapeutic strategies for patients. To change this situation, it has been deemed worthwhile to develop more physiologically relevant research models for mechanism-based target identification and drug discovery. Recently, new technologies and the refinement of existing technologies in preclinical models have emerged. In particular, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems, which are used to model spheroids, organoids, and tissue heterogeneity, show promise, as they are more realistic and able to recapitulate the biological and physiological properties and functions of cultured cells and tissues. These new platforms, together with fit-for-purpose animal models, are key to success in bridging the gap between research and clinic.