Abstract

Developing novel three dimensional cell culture platform for different testing purposes towards investigative biology

Giridharan Periyasamy, Manager, Genome Institute of Singapore

Most cells within the human body interact with neighboring cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components to establish a unique 3-D organization. These cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions form a complex communication network of biochemical and mechanical signals, which are critical for normal cell physiology. In traditional 2-D culture, cells grow in a single layer attached to glass or plastic have unfettered access to the media above them. They grow unusually quickly, as they imbibe a steady stream of nutrients. When drugs are added, the cells absorb them just as easily. But when those same drugs come up against the complex vasculature and cellular barriers in a living organism, they may fail to even reach their targets. Physiological relevance is a key parameter to improve predictivity of cell-based assays in drug discovery and efficacy/toxicity testing for early stage compounds. In this project, we intend to develop robust and comprehensive panel of 3D cell culture models patient derived primary cells for the characterization of different disease phenotypes, and investigate chemo-response to novel or known drugs. We will also interested in developing array of next generation preclinical 3D tissue models for predictive toxicology screening and validation against traditional animal model systems.