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Customized In Vitro Models of IBD

In recent years, a variety of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo models have been developed to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Reliable and predictable in vitro models of intestinal inflammation provides a valuable tool for accelerating and validating the development of IBD treatments. Three-dimensional (3D) models can more accurately represent the different layers of the intestine, helping to make a greater impact on drug screening and gut inflammation research, and bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies.

Fig.1. Comparative evaluation of models of human intestinal inflammation. (Macedo, et al., 2023)

Established Cell-based In Vitro Models of Human Intestinal Inflammation

As a research service provider in IBD, Ace Therapeutics provides reliable cell-based in vitro models to support preclinical drug discovery and development programs. It is the expertise of our scientific teams that translates advanced technologies into early insights and actionable data - customized for your purpose, scope and stage in the drug discovery process.

Our In Vitro Models of IBD

• Customized 2D Intestinal Cell Culture Models
• Customized 3D Co-culture Models of Intestinal Inflammation
• Customized Intestinal Organoids
• Customized 3D Bioengineered IBD Models
• Customized Intestine-on-a-Chip Models

Cells Used

We can use different types of cells to assess the effects of compounds in the treatment of IBD. The anti-inflammatory effects of compounds could be tested in cells pre-stimulated or not by LPS (a bacterial pro- inflammatory product), TNF (a pro-inflammatory cytokine). Cell selection will be determined by the client's research goals.

• Cell lines such as HT-29, Caco-2, THP-1, Raji B, lymphocytes, macrophages
• Cells derived from tissues such as colon epithelial cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
• Stem cells used to extract intestinal epithelial cells, adult stem cells (ASCs) and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs)
• Biopsies from tissues

Study Endpoints

Ace Therapeutics helps clients study IBD pathogenesis, discover new therapeutic targets, and screen novel drugs. We can evaluate multiple endpoints simultaneously through in vitro tools:

• Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER)/permeability assays: Monitor cell formation and integrity by measuring TEER and assessing the permeability to FITC-dextran.
• Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays: Monitor cell death by quantifying lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released from dead cells into the culture medium.
• Cytotoxicity/proliferation assays: Assess the potential toxic effects of compounds on cells, as well as effects on cell division and growth.
• Protein expression assays: Quantify the levels of specific proteins of interest in cells.
• Immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC): Can visualize and localize specific proteins or cellular markers within a cell or tissue sample.
• Gene expression analysis: Identify differentially expressed genes through comprehensive analysis of the entire transcriptome using next-generation sequencing technologies such as RNA-seq.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): Measure cytokine levels in cell culture supernatants.
• Flow cytometry: Analyze and quantify a variety of cellular parameters, including cell surface markers, intracellular proteins, and functional characteristics.
• In situ hybridization (RNAscope): Visualize and localize specific RNA transcripts in intact tissue sections or cells.

Ace Therapeutics' in vitro models are an invaluable tool for pharmaceutical and biotech companies focused on IBD research. No matter where you are in the drug discovery process, our services are designed to help you make better decisions faster. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us.