Intestinal and optic-cup organoids as tools for unveiling mechanics of self-organizing morphogenesis

Organoid, an organ-like tissue reproduced in a dish, has specialized, functional structures in three-dimensional (3D) space. Organoid development replicates the self-organizing process of each tissue development during embryogenesis but does not necessarily require external tissues, illustrating the autonomy of multicellular systems. Herein, we review the developmental processes of epithelial organoids, namely, the intestine, and optic-cup, with a focus on their mechanical aspects. Recent organoid studies have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms of 3D tissue deformation, including appropriate modes of deformation and factors controlling them. In addition, the autonomous nature of organoid development has also allowed us to access the stepwise mechanisms of deformation as organoids proceed through distinct stages of development. Altogether, we discuss the potential of organoids in unveiling the autonomy of multicellular self-organization from a mechanical point of view. This review article is an extended version of the Japanese article, Mechanics in Self-organizing Organoid Morphogenesis, published in SEIBUTSU BUTSURI Vol. 60, p.31–36 (2020).