Gene expression profiling reveals enhanced nutrient and drug metabolism and maturation of hiPSC-derived intestine-on-chip relative to organoids and Transwells

Abstract

The human intestinal epithelial barrier is shaped by biological and biomechanical cues, including growth factor gradients and fluid flow. While these factors are known to affect adult stem cell (ASC)-derived intestinal epithelial cells in vitro , their impact on human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cells is largely unexplored. Here, we compare the cellular composition and gene expression profiles of hiPSC-derived intestinal epithelial cells exposed to various medium compositions and cultured as organoids, in Transwell and microfluidic intestine-on-chip systems. Modulating key signaling pathways (WNT, NOTCH, bone morphogenetic protein [BMP], and mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK]) influenced the presence of dividing, absorptive, and secretory epithelial lineages. Upon differentiation, intestinal epithelial cells expressed genes encoding digestive enzymes, nutrient transporters, and drug-metabolizing enzymes. Notably, these pathways were most enhanced in the intestine-on-chip system, along with an expression profile that suggests a more mature state. These findings highlight the potential of hiPSC-derived intestinal cells to model important intestinal functions and guide the selection of optimal culture conditions for specific applications.