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3D Innervated skin Model
Special Programs
3D innervated skin model for assesment of peripheral neurotoxicity in a 96-well high throughput format.
Alcyomics® has developed a 3D tissue model based in an inert polyHIPE scaffold that enables the culture of neuronal and skin cell lineages together in one system. We have developed a unique co-culture system which is capable of including Schwann cells, neurons, fibroblasts and keratinocytes in physiologically relevant structures (Figure 1).
- iPSC derived neurons and Schwann cells are cultured within a fully humanised tissue model including human dermal fibroblasts, ECM proteins and a well defined keratinocyte epidermal layer.
- When exposed to known neuronal irritants, our model is shown to respond as shown though changes in detectable neurotransmitter (Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) & Substance P) release (Figure 2).
- Markers for mature neurite formation (Beta Tubulin III (TUJ1)) can be observed extending throughout the 3D construct (Figure 3).
Figure 1: Schematic representation of the 3D models construction. ECM is deposited within the scaffold by fibroblast and Schwann cells.
Figure 2: Substance P abundance measurement in cell culture supernatant after stimulation with high and low doses of either Capsaicin, Menthol or KCl.
Figure 3: Left) Histology demonstrates a dense, well populated scaffold filled with in situ secreted human ECM proteins. Keratinocytes can form a well organised epidermal layer consisting of basal, granular and stratum corneum layers. Middle) Green staining denotes the expression of TUJ1, specifically highlighting the neuronal layer at the base of the 3D cell model. Right) High magnification image demonstrating TUJ1 positive neurite formation throughout the model.
