Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):277-284
doi:10.12290/xhyxzz.2025-0056
The Technological Advances and Prospects of Vascularized Brain Organoids
Jionghao XUE
1
;
Zhipeng LI
1
;
Yuanli ZHAO
2
Affiliations
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1. Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China;
2. Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China;
Keywords
organoids;
cerebrovascular diseases;
vascularization;
precision medicine
Abstract
Cerebrovascular diseases, characterized by high incidence, disability, and mortality rates, have emerged as a leading global cause of death and long-term disability. Organoid technology, a three-dimensional in vitro culture system derived from stem cells or tissue cells, enables the simulation of organ development, physiological processes, and pathological mechanisms, demonstrating significant potential in cerebrovascular disease research and therapeutic development. This review summarizes recent advances in organoid applications for cerebrovascular diseases, with a focus on strategies for constructing vascularized cerebral organoids, including in vivo transplantation, in vitro culture systems, and bioengineering approaches. Studies reveal that these models not only recapitulate neurovascular unit interactions but also serve as powerful platforms for drug screening and mechanistic investigations, offering novel therapeutic strategies for cerebrovascular disorders. Current challenges include insufficient vascularization efficiency and limited integration capacity with host tissues. Future integration of gene editing, microfluidic chips, and high-throughput 3D bioprinting technologies is expected to enhance the functionality and clinical translatability of vascularized cerebral organoids, thereby advancing personalized medicine and precision healthcare.