A Recap of Lifeline® Products in 2019

It’s that time of year again! As you are winding down 2019 and preparing for 2020, don’t forget to check out the Lifeline® catalog to plan for your experiments in the new year. As we do annually, our last blog post of the year is a recap of the second half of 2019, reviewing the various applications in which researchers have used Lifeline® cell systems.

Extracellular Matrix and 3D In Vitro Model Systems

Advanced 2D/3D Cell Migration Assay for Faster Evaluation of Chemotaxis of Slow-Moving Cells: In this study, Tomasova and colleagues (opens in new window) described the development of a new migration assays, designed to evaluate slow-moving chemotaxis (migration of cells to a chemical gradient) in 2D and 3D. They used Lifeline® normal human epidermal keratinocytes to demonstrate the utility of their migration assays and illustrated that transforming growth factor alpha and epidermal growth factor are chemoattractants for this cell type.

Poly(ethylene glycol)-Crosslinked Gelatin Hydrogel Substrates with Conjugated Bioactive Peptides Influence Endothelial Cell Behavior: In this study, Su et al. (opens in new window) designed a 3D culture substrate that can be used to model the basement membrane (a structure composed of extracellular matrix that holds endothelial cells in place). Using Lifeline® human umbilical vein endothelial cells, they tested their in vitro bioactive peptide-containing hydrogel system. Their results demonstrated that hydrogels containing peptides derived from laminin and a vascular endothelial growth factor mimetic are viable models for endothelial cell 3D culture.

The Effect of Chitosan Derivatives on the Compaction and Tension Generation of the Fibroblast-populated Collagen Matrix: In this study, Doan et al. (opens in new window) used Lifeline® human dermal fibroblasts to evaluate the effects of glycated chitosan on myofibroblast contraction. Using a 3D anchored fibroblast-populated collagen matrix, they found that glycated chitosan, delivered with single-walled carbon nanotubes, decreased contraction of myofibroblasts; however, this treatment was not able to reduce proliferation or differentiation of myofibroblasts.

Use of Biomaterials to Design Bone and Vascular Grafts

Delivery of Targeted Gene Therapies Using a Hybrid Cryogel-Coated Prosthetic Vascular Graft: In this article, Huynh and colleagues (opens in new window) described the development of a bioactive hybrid graft system, comprised of polyethylene terephthalate and a cryogel. Using Lifeline® human aortic endothelial cells, the researchers illustrated that their bioactive hybrid grafts were a useful system with antithrombotic activity that can be used to improve the success of prosthetic vascular grafts.

Chondroitin Sulfate Glycosaminoglycan Scaffolds for Cell and Recombinant Protein-Based Bone Regeneration: In this paper, Andrews and colleagues (opens in new window) described their newly developed hydrogel system, containing chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan. Using Lifeline® mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton’s jelly, the group demonstrated that their hydrogel system, cultured with mesenchymal stem cells expressing bone morphogenic protein 2, is a potential new biologic therapy for bone defects.

Purinergic Signaling in Smooth Muscle Contraction

Targetable Purinergic Receptors P2Y12 and A2b Antagonistically Regulate Bladder Function: In this study, Hao et al. (opens in new window) investigated the role of purinergic signaling in bladder function. Using mouse models and Lifeline® human bladder smooth muscle cells, the researchers found that the receptors P2Y₁₂ and A2b regulate bladder smooth muscle contraction, bladder size, and bladder activity.

Here at Lifeline®, we would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season and happy new year! Visit us here on the blog next year for new research highlights!