title: 3D Cell Culturing and Possibilities for Myometrial Tissue Engineering.
abstract: Research insights into uterine function and the mechanisms of labour have been hindered by the lack of suitable animal and cellular models. The use of traditional culturing methods limits the exploration of complex uterine functions, such as cell interactions, connectivity and contractile behaviour, as it fails to mimic the three-dimensional (3D) nature of uterine cell interactions in vivo. Animal models are an option, however, use of these models is constrained by ethical considerations as well as translational limitations to humans. Evidence indicates that these limitations can be overcome by using 3D culture systems, or 3D Bioprinters, to model the in vivo cytological architecture of the tissue in an in vitro environment. 3D cultured or 3D printed cells can be used to form an artificial tissue. This artificial tissue can not only be used as an appropriate model in which to study cellular function and organisation, but could also be used for regenerative medicine purposes including organ or tissue transplantation, organ donation and obstetric care. The current review describes recent developments in cell culture that can facilitate the development of myometrial 3D structures and tissue engineering applications.
authors: Mothers and Babies Research Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. Minoo.Heidarikani@uon.edu.au.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia. Minoo.Heidarikani@uon.edu.au.|Priority Research Centre of Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. Minoo.Heidarikani@uon.edu.au.
authors: Minoo
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5367-2981
authors: M
authors: Heidari Kani
authors: Mothers and Babies Research Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.|Priority Research Centre of Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors: Eng-Cheng
authors: EC
authors: Chan
authors: Mothers and Babies Research Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors: Roger C
authors: RC
authors: Young
authors: Mothers and Babies Research Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.|Priority Research Centre of Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors: Trent
authors: T
authors: Butler
authors: Mothers and Babies Research Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.|Priority Research Centre of Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
authors: Roger
authors: R
authors: Smith
authors: Mothers and Babies Research Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.|Priority Research Centre of Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
authors: Jonathan W
authors: JW
authors: Paul
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D062028:Bioprinting / Q000379:methods*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009215:Myometrium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*
keywords: 3D culture; Bioprinting; Myometrium; Regenerative medicine; Reproductive tissue engineering; Uterus