Transplantable human thyroid organoids generated from embryonic stem cells to rescue hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common condition that cannot always be satisfactorily treated through continued hormone replacement. Here the authors report the generation of transplantable thyroid organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells that can restore plasma thyroid hormone in athyreotic mice. The thyroid gland captures iodide in order to synthesize hormones that act on almost all tissues and are essential for normal growth and metabolism. Low plasma levels of thyroid hormones lead to hypothyroidism, which is one of the most common disorder in humans and is not always satisfactorily treated by lifelong hormone replacement. Therefore, in addition to the lack of in vitro tractable models to study human thyroid development, differentiation and maturation, functional human thyroid organoids could pave the way to explore new therapeutic approaches. Here we report the generation of transplantable thyroid organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells capable of restoring plasma thyroid hormone in athyreotic mice as a proof of concept for future therapeutic development.

Automated summary

The study reports the generation of transplantable thyroid organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells, which can restore thyroid hormone levels in athyreotic mice. Thyroid hormones are essential for the normal functioning and growth of tissues, and hypothyroidism is a common disorder that is difficult to treat effectively. This research provides proof of concept for future therapeutic development.