In this study we established a rat intestinal organoid model that is robust in long-term cell culture. We also demonstrate the first successful genetic manipulations using both lentiviral infection and transient transfection. This model is an excellent tool for manipulating intestinal biology in the rat where the genetic tools available in vivo are limited.
Rat intestinal organoids have previously been difficult to culture long-term. By generating a robust, genetically-manipulatable rat organoid model, we are providing researchers additional flexibility and choice to select an organoid model best suited for their particular circumstances. Mouse intestinal organoids are used to study stem cell behavior, cell fate and physiology, but they can be a suboptimal model.
Since there are key differences between mouse and human biology. On the other hand, human intestinal organoids can be difficult to obtain, and have complex cell culture requirements. The rat organoid model we describe here retains key physiological relevance to human biology, while being considerably easier to access and care for than human intestinal organoids.
Developing and optimizing the rat intestinal organoid model allows for genetic manipulation, pharmacological treatments, and higher throughput studies of intestinal biology and accessible model with key physiological relevance to humans. Additionally, these rat organoids will allow for the study of species-specific physiology, cell fates, and phenotypic variations and disease models in the intestine.
