Organoids in Biomedical Research
Our research group focuses on the establishment and application of porcine intestinal organoids to address relevant veterinary medical questions directly in a species-specific model. The organoid model serves not only as a translational system for human medicine but also – especially – for studying disease-relevant processes in pigs themselves, one of the world’s most important livestock species.
Organoids are miniaturized, tissue-specific structures derived from adult stem cells that reflect the architecture and function of their organ of origin. In our laboratory, organoids are cultivated from the small intestine (jejunum) and colon of pigs—including both commercial hybrid pigs and the traditional breed Bunte Bentheimer.
Research:
- Establishment of porcine intestinal organoids (jejunum and colon)
- Comparison of different genetic backgrounds using modern breeds and traditional domestic pig breeds
- Further development into 2D models for the application of functional measurement techniques
- Use of Ussing chamber technology to analyze barrier, secretion, and absorption processes
- Infection models for enteropathogenic bacteria, e.g., Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
- Analysis of genetic and functional responses of the epithelium under controlled conditions
Laufende Projekte
Ongoing projects
In vitro virulence monitoring of Brachyspira species in intestinal organoids of different pig breeds
PhD project – Masina Plenge, M.Sc.
This doctoral project aims to investigate the interaction of various Brachyspira strains with porcine intestinal organoids. Both pathogenic and less virulent isolates are tested, taking into account the genetic differences between pig breeds. The project contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Brachyspira infections and helps identify new approaches to reduce antibiotic use in pig farming.
Impact of cultivation conditions and Brachyspira infections on gene expression and epithelial function in porcine colon organoids
Master’s Thesis – Felizitas Elma, B.Sc.
This master's thesis examines how different cultivation and interface conditions in a porcine colon organoid model affect epithelial responses to Brachyspira infections. The work lays an important foundation for standardizing physiologically relevant infection models.
Selected Publications:
- Hoffmann P. et al. (2021). Intestinal organoid-based 2D monolayers mimic physiological and pathophysiological properties of the pig intestine. PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256143
- Benz P. et al. (2025). Two-dimensional Porcine Intestinal Organoids Reflecting the Physiological Properties of Native Gut. JOVE. DOI: 10.3791/67666
- Plenge M. et al. (2025). Development and characterization of a 2D porcine colonic organoid model for studying intestinal physiology and barrier function. PLoS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312989
Cooperations
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) – Institute for Microbiology
- Hannover Medical School (MHH)
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)
Additional national and international partners in the fields of zoonotic disease research, 3R models, and animal health
Team
- Pascal Benz, PhD – Scientific Lead & Project Coordination
- Masina Plenge, M.Sc. – PhD Student
- Felizitas Elma, B.Sc. – Master’s Student
- Nadine Schnepel, BTA – Technical Assistant
Contact
For scientific collaborations, project ideas, or questions about organoid research:
Pascal Benz, PhD
Institute of Physiology and Cell Biology, TiHo Hannover
✉ pascal.benz@tiho-hannover.de
