2018 SLAS Advanced 3D Human Models and High-Content Analysis Conference

Stem cells, 3D cell culture systems and organoids are intensily researched and developed as they mimic better in vivo physiology than previously used 2D cancer cell lines. Some impressive advances have been achieved in the past decade and first therapies are being used in the clinic and some of these advances will be highlighted in the SLAS 3D Human Model and HCS conference in Leiden 2018. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain in the field. Most current cellular systems rely on the surprising self organizational capacities of stem cells which allow the creation of organoids bearing some functions of the in vivo organs. Future developments need to make the transition from organoids to mini organs. What are the hurdles to achieve this goal? What technologies are missing? What analytical tools do we need to guide us in this endeavor? These are the questions we would like to ask and discuss during the round table discussions of the conference. The aim is to obtain the opinion of the experts at the conference and to collate these into a white paper to be published at SLAS Discovery along the other papers of the conference. Participants of the roundtable are welcome to participate in writing the white paper and to volunteer to contribute to topics dear to their heart.