A 3-D cell culture system to study epithelia functions using microcarriers.

ABSTRACT: In vitro cell culture models used to study epithelia and epithelial diseases would benefit from the recognition that organs and tissues function in a three-dimensional (3D) environment. This context is necessary for the development of cultures that more realistically resemble in vivo tissues/organs. Our aim was to establish and characterize biologically meaningful 3D models of epithelium. We engineered 3D epithelia cultures using a kidney epithelia cell line (MDCK) and spherical polymer scaffolds. These kidney epithelia were characterized by live microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Strikingly, the epithelial cells displayed increased physiological relevance; they were extensively polarized and developed a more differentiated phenotype. Using such a growth

SUBMITTER: Jakob PH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5023556 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature