Human-Organoid-Based In Vitro Modeling for Environmental Toxicology

Abstract

Environmental pollutants pose significant health risks and elevate the likelihood of developing diseases. Organoid-based models offer the potential to transform environmental toxicology by offering platforms that closely mimic human physiology for precise toxicological assessments. Here, we discuss recent studies utilizing human-derived organoids as a preferable in vitro model for screening environmental toxins. We also address the persistent challenges arising from the pluripotent nature of their cellular origin. Furthermore, we emphasize future perspectives regarding the utility of organoids in understanding the intricate interactions between environmental pollutant exposure and human health by considering both ad hoc modifications and post hoc analyses. Overall, exploring human-organoid-based in vitro models holds promise for environmental toxicology, offering reproducible, reliable, and relevant data comparable to those from in vivo studies.