HD In Vitro Assay
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disturbances. It is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin protein. As a leading player in the field of neuroscience research, Creative Biolabs offers cutting-edge In Vitro Assay Services aiming to advance our understanding of HD pathology and potential therapeutic interventions.
HD In Vitro Assay Models
At Creative Biolabs, our team of expert neuroscientists has meticulously developed a range of innovative and relevant In Vitro assay models to study various aspects of Huntington's disease. These models include but are not limited to:
Primary Neuronal Cultures
Primary cultures of neurons, often derived from animal models or human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can provide insights into the molecular and cellular changes that occur in HD.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
iPSCs derived from HD patients allow researchers to study disease mechanisms and test potential therapies in a more patient-specific context.
Striatal Neuronal Models
As HD primarily affects the striatum in the brain, researchers often focus on developing striatal neuronal models. These models provide a relevant context for studying the dysfunction and degeneration of the striatal neurons that occurs in HD.
Co-Culture Systems
Co-cultures involve culturing multiple cell types together, such as neurons and glial cells, to study the interplay between different cell populations and their contribution to HD pathology.
Neuronal Cell Lines
Immortalized neuronal cell lines, such as the commonly used PC12 and SH-SY5Y cell lines, can be genetically manipulated and used to model aspects of HD pathology. These cell lines offer a more standardized and easily reproducible system for screening potential therapeutic compounds.
Animal-Derived Cell Cultures
Researchers may also use cell cultures derived from animal models of HD, such as transgenic mice carrying the mutated HTT gene. These cultures help study specific aspects of the disease and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions.
Gene-Edited Cell Models
The development of gene editing technologies, like CRISPR-Cas9, has enabled researchers to generate cell models with specific genetic mutations resembling those found in HD patients. These models allow for more precise investigations of the effects of specific mutations on cellular function.
High-Content Screening System
High-content screening platforms combine cell-based models with our automated imaging and analysis techniques to screen large libraries of compounds for potential therapeutic effects on HD-related cellular phenotypes.
HD In Vitro Services
Creative Biolabs offers a comprehensive array of In Vitro Assays tailored to address diverse facets of HD research:
- Cell Viability and Cytotoxicity Assays: These assays assess the health and survival of cells, often neurons, treated with compounds or conditions relevant to HD. Common assays include MTT, MTS, and CellTiter-Glo, which measure metabolic activity or ATP levels.
- HTT Aggregation/Lowering Assay: HD is characterized by the aggregation of mutant HTT protein. In Vitro assays such as filter trap assays, Thioflavin T staining, and sedimentation assays allow researchers to quantify protein aggregation and study factors that influence aggregation kinetics.
- Mitochondrial Function Assays: Mitochondrial assays measure parameters such as mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption rate, and reactive oxygen species production to assess the impact of mutant HTT on cellular energy metabolism and oxidative stress.
- Neuroinflammation Assays: HD involves neuroinflammation characterized by microglial activation and cytokine release. In Vitro assays, such as ELISA and qPCR, allow researchers to quantify levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and study the effects of potential anti-inflammatory treatments.
- Autophagy Assays: Dysregulation of autophagy is implicated in HD pathology. Assays such as LC3 lipidation assays and p62/SQSTM1 degradation assays evaluate the autophagic activity and its modulation in HD.
- Synaptic Function Assays: HD disrupts synaptic function. Electrophysiological assays like patch-clamp recordings and calcium imaging can be used to assess synaptic transmission and plasticity in neurons expressing mutant HTT.
- High-Throughput Screening Assays: Utilizing automated platforms, researchers can conduct large-scale screenings of compound libraries to identify potential therapeutic candidates based on their effects on HD-related cellular phenotypes.
Creative Biolabs is a pioneer in advancing HD research through its state-of-the-art In Vitro Assay Models. These models offer a powerful platform for investigating HD pathogenesis, screening potential therapies, and ultimately, contributing to the development of effective treatments for this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. By harnessing the potential of In Vitro Assays, Creative Biolabs continues to drive innovation and excellence in the field of neuroscience research.
If you would like to take your research further or require additional testing or screening services, please contact us for further information.
