Abstract

Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocytes/Neurons on 3D Micro-Tissue Devices for Matured and Functional Cell Products in Drug Discovery and Screening

Norio Nakatsuji, Chief Advisor, Stem Cell & Device Laboratory, Inc. (SCAD); Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University

Human pluripotent stem (PS) cells, including ES and iPS cells, are promising sources of various model cells for drug discovery and toxicology screening.  However, there are important (but still unsatisfactory) needs of more matured and functional cells with reliable and low-cost production from human iPS or ES cells. We developed a method of robust and low-cost cytokine-free differentiation of cardiomyocytes from human ES/iPS cells by combination of small chemical compounds.  We also developed low-cost and labor-saving methods for construction of 3D multi-cellular devices with aligned nanofibers for more matured and functional cell device products. Our human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes or neurons seeded on nanofiber scaffolds form 3D multi-layered structures (Micro-Tissues), which show matured and stable cell/tissue functions. Our Micro-Tissue devices are easy to handle and useful for drug screening and toxicology assays.