Small molecules enhance the high-efficiency generation of pancreatic ductal organoids

Advancements in three-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures have created more physiologically relevant models for pancreatic disease research, but efficiently generating mature pancreatic ductal cells remains challenging. In this study, we develop a novel protocol to generate pancreatic ductal organoids (PDOs) with high initiation efficiency and an enrichment of pancreatic ductal cells. By utilizing a cocktail of small molecules, we optimize the culture conditions to improve organoid formation. Our findings demonstrate that this protocol facilitates the formation and expansion of PDOs derived from Sox9-positive ductal cells, including heterogeneous ductal cells and acinar cells. These organoid cultures exhibit remarkable stability, supporting long-term expansion. This system provides an efficient model with potential applications in high-throughput drug screening. Moreover, these organoids recapitulate the exocrine cell composition and may reflect the cellular plasticity between ductal and acinar cells, providing a valuable platform for investigating pancreatic diseases such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The model presents a promising tool for future research aimed at understanding disease mechanisms and potentially helping drug development for pancreatic disorders.