Fabrication of three-dimensional lacrimal gland-like tissue organoids from human pluripotent stem cells

We have established a method for producing three-dimensional lacrimal gland-like tissue organoids from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). These resemble native lacrimal glands on the basis of their morphology, immuno-labelling characteristics and gene expression patterns. When transplanted into the connective tissue above the eyes of recipient rats the organoids undergo functional maturation, producing tear film proteins.