title: Neural cell 3D microtissue formation is marked by cytokines' up-regulation.
abstract: Cells cultured in three dimensional (3D) scaffolds as opposed to traditional two-dimensional (2D) substrates have been considered more physiologically relevant based on their superior ability to emulate the in vivo environment. Combined with stem cell technology, 3D cell cultures can provide a promising alternative for use in cell-based assays or biosensors in non-clinical drug discovery studies. To advance 3D culture technology, a case has been made for identifying and validating three-dimensionality biomarkers. With this goal in mind, we conducted a transcriptomic expression comparison among neural progenitor cells cultured on 2D substrates, 3D porous polystyrene scaffolds, and as 3D neurospheres (in vivo surrogate). Up-regulation of cytokines as a group in 3D and neurospheres was observed. A group of 13 cytokines were commonly up-regulated in cells cultured in polystyrene scaffolds and neurospheres, suggesting potential for any or a combination from this list to serve as three-dimensionality biomarkers. These results are supportive of further cytokine identification and validation studies with cells from non-neural tissue.
authors: Cellular Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Driftmier Engineering Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America.
authors: Yinzhi
authors: Y
authors: Lai
authors: Amish
authors: A
authors: Asthana
authors: Ke
authors: K
authors: Cheng
authors: William S
authors: WS
authors: Kisaalita
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D058953:Neural Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D061251:Primary Cell Culture / Q000379:methods*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D016207:Cytokines