Fig. 2: Types of cervical organoids derived from different epithelial origin using normal or tumor tissue.
From: Organoid modeling meets cancers of female reproductive tract
The cervix is composed of three parts from the position near the uterus downwards: the endocervix consisting of a single layer of columnar epithelium, the transformation zone where the columnar and squamous epithelia meet, and the ectocervix with multiple layers of squamous cells. Cervical cancer mainly includes cervical adenocarcinoma (25%) or squamous cell carcinoma (70%), while the rest are rare types such as adenosquamous carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is characterized by mutations in the PIK3CA, ERBB2, FBXW7 and FAT1 genes. The mutations in TP53, RB1, PIK3CA and PTEN genes are common in squamous cell carcinoma. Organoids derived from the squamocolumnar junction usually appear round in shape, with dense and cystic characteristics, but grow irregularly after several passes, with multiple budding or chain-like structures.
