Engineered 3D vascular and neuronal networks in a microfluidic platform.

ABSTRACT: Neurovascular coupling plays a key role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders including motor neuron disease (MND). In vitro models provide an opportunity to understand the pathogenesis of MND, and offer the potential for drug screening. Here, we describe a new 3D microvascular and neuronal network model in a microfluidic platform to investigate interactions between these two systems. Both 3D networks were established by co-culturing human embryonic stem (ES)-derived MN spheroids and endothelial cells (ECs) in microfluidic devices. Co-culture with ECs improves neurite elongation and neuronal connectivity as measured by Ca²⁺ oscillation. This improvement was regulated not only by paracrine signals such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor secreted by ECs but also thr

SUBMITTER: Osaki T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5979969 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature