Cell-level studies using in vitro models can be helpful in researching different aspects of diabetes. Ace Therapeutics is committed to establishing in vitro insulin resistance models through various induction methods based on clients' research needs, which are expected to support the drug discovery of insulin sensitizer candidates.

Introduction to In Vitro Insulin Resistance Models

In vitro models are ideal for studying the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance due to their ease of maintenance and reproducibility. These cell-based models offer precise control over multiple parameters, including the extracellular environment and culture conditions, which is challenging in in vivo models. Using In vitro models, researchers can avoid the complexities of tissue crosstalk. For this purpose, various inducers can be used in such models, including chronic insulin exposure, dexamethasone, adipokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and hypoxia. Although chronic insulin exposure had been one of the more common methods in the past, free fatty acid exposure specifically with palmitic acid remains the mainstay of induction for most In vitro insulin resistance models today.

Fig. 1. Flow chart for constructing insulin resistance cell model. (Wen Y, et al., 2022)

Our In Vitro Insulin Resistance Model Induction Methods

Induction of in vitro insulin resistance models relies on a combination of sophisticated technologies and experimental approaches. From precise dosing of inducers to real-time monitoring of cellular responses, our researchers take advantage of state-of-the-art tools to mimic pathological conditions in the controlled conditions of the laboratory.

• Palmitic Acid-Induced In Vitro Models
  Palmitic acid is a widely used saturated fatty acid, associated typically with insulin resistance, and acts as a strong metabolic stressor in vitro. Our investigators mimic the lipotoxic state present in insulin-resistant disease states by treating cells under high levels of palmitic acid.
• High Glucose-Induced In Vitro Models
  High glucose concentrations may trigger insulin resistance, especially in skeletal muscle. Our researchers use high glucose as an inducer to help our clients establish in vitro models, such as the HepG2 insulin resistance model and the 3T3-L1 insulin resistance model.
• Chronic Insulin-Induced In Vitro Models
  We use in vitro insulin resistance models and help our clients in the investigation of molecular adaptations resulting from chronic hyperinsulinemia by subjecting cell cultures to sustained high concentrations of insulin. These adaptations include, but are not limited to, changes in insulin receptor expression and/or in downstream signaling events.

Our Comprehensive Screening and Validation Capabilities

Ace Therapeutics' suite of in vitro insulin resistance models is further complemented by a robust screening and validation process. Through advanced imaging techniques, high-throughput screening assays, and omics technologies, we help our clients comprehensively characterize the cellular phenotypes and molecular changes associated with insulin resistance.

• Analysis of relative glucose consumption of the cells
• Analysis of expression changes of marker genes
• Analysis of transcriptional changes associated with insulin resistance models

Please contact us for more information about how our induction methods can be customized to meet your exact needs and embark on a journey towards unraveling the complexities of metabolic dysfunction and pioneering innovative solutions for diabetes.

Reference

1. Wen Y, et al. (2022) Guidelines for cellular and animal models of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. eFood. 3(6): e48.

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