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

Jakob, P. H., Kehrer, J., Flood, P., Wiegel, C., Haselmann, U., Meissner, M. , Stelzer, E. H.K. and Reynaud, E. G. (2016) A 3-D cell culture system to study epithelia functions using microcarriers. Cytotechnology, 68(5), pp. 1813-1825. (doi: 10.1007/s10616-015-9935-0) (PMID:26847791)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

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 system allows for direct transmission and fluorescence imaging with few restrictions using wide-field, confocal and Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy. We also assessed the wider relevance of this 3D culturing technique with several epithelial cell lines. Finally, we established that these 3D micro-tissues can be used for infection as well as biochemical assays and to study important cellular processes such as epithelial mesenchymal transmission. This new biomimetic model could provide a broadly applicable 3D culture system to study epithelia and epithelia related disorders.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was funded by BMBF Grant ‘‘QuantPro’’, Number 0313831D. EGR acknowledges support from the SFI under the Stokes Fellowship Programme.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Meissner, Professor Markus
Authors: Jakob, P. H., Kehrer, J., Flood, P., Wiegel, C., Haselmann, U., Meissner, M., Stelzer, E. H.K., and Reynaud, E. G.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Cytotechnology
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0920-9069
ISSN (Online):1573-0778
Published Online:04 February 2016

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record