title: 3D Organotypic Culture Model to Study Components of ERK Signaling.
abstract: Organotypic models are 3D in vitro representations of an in vivo environment. Their complexity can range from an epidermal replica to the establishment of a cancer microenvironment. These models have been used for many years, in an attempt to mimic the structure and function of cells and tissues found inside the body. Methods for developing 3D organotypic models differ according to the tissue of interest and the experimental design. For example, cultures may be grown submerged in culture medium and or at an air-liquid interface. Our group is focusing on an air-liquid interface 3D organotypic model. These cultures are grown on a nylon membrane-covered metal grid with the cells embedded in a Collagen-Matrigel gel. This allows cells to grow in an air-liquid interface to enable diffusion and nourishment from the medium below. Subsequently, the organotypic cultures can be used for immunohistochemical staining of various components of ERK signaling, which is a key player in mediating communication between cells and their microenvironment.
authors.affiliation: Biomolecular Sciences Department, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston Univesity London, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, UK. a.chioni@kingston.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Athina-Myrto
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chioni
authors.affiliation: Biomolecular Sciences Department, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston Univesity London, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, UK.
authors.forename: Rabia Tayba
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Bajwa
authors.affiliation: Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grose
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008954:Models, Biological; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
keywords: 3D models; Organotypic culture; Tissue culture