Figure 2.

Schematic of biosensor applications within inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organoid models. Adult somatic cells from healthy or diseased individuals can be reprogrammed to generate iPSCs. The genome of the iPSCs can be edited to correct disease-causing mutations or to insert a biosensor via viral delivery or introduction in a safe harbor site. iPSCs can then be differentiated into desired cell-types or to generate organoid models of human disease (Figure 2). Extensive characterization of iPSCs is required, both at the genetic and functional levels, a necessary step for the validation of such models. Next, biosensor expression in iPSC-differentiated derivatives or organoids combined with imaging approaches will allow the characterization of cell signaling to better discern signal transduction events using physiological and disease-relevant cellular models. Understanding the heterogeneity of iPSCs using transcriptomic technologies will also help further validate them as cellular models with high translational potential.