Lens Organoid Modeling Service

The study of the human lens, particularly the mechanisms underlying cataract formation, has been significantly constrained by the limitations of conventional research models. Animal models possess notable differences in lens physiology and genetics, leading to poor clinical translation, while primary human lens epithelial cell (hLEC) cultures suffer from rapid senescence and the loss of crucial in vivo characteristics. This has created a substantial barrier to understanding the etiology of lens disorders and developing effective anti-cataract therapeutics.

Creative Biolabs overcomes these challenges with a cutting-edge Lens Organoid Modeling Service. By directing the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), we generate three-dimensional lens organoids that remarkably recapitulate the key developmental and structural features of the native human lens. This provides a powerful, human-specific platform to dissect disease mechanisms, screen novel compounds, and pioneer the next generation of therapies for cataracts and other lens-related disorders.

A High-Fidelity Reconstruction of the Human Lens

Our lens organoids are not simple spheroids; they are sophisticated, self-organizing micro-tissues that accurately model the unique biology and architecture of the human lens.

1. Authentic Cellular Composition and Structure: Our protocol guides hiPSCs to form organoids containing the two primary cell types of the lens in their correct anatomical arrangement:
   • Lens Epithelial Cells (LECs): Forming an outer layer that expresses the critical marker PAX6.
   • Differentiated Lens Fiber Cells: Comprising the core of the organoid, these cells express key crystallin proteins such as αA-crystallin (CRYAA) and exhibit the characteristic elongated morphology of mature fiber cells.
2. Recapitulation of Lens Development: Our organoids mimic the crucial developmental process of fiber cell differentiation, providing a dynamic system to study both normal lens morphogenesis and the pathological changes that disrupt this process.
3. Robustness and Reproducibility: We have established optimized, serum-free culture conditions that ensure the consistent and reproducible generation of high-quality lens organoids, making them a reliable and scalable platform for a wide range of research applications, including high-throughput screening.

A Validated Platform for Cataract Research and Beyond

Our human-centric models provide a powerful tool for investigating the most common cause of blindness worldwide.

1. Modeling Cataractogenesis: We can induce cataract-like phenotypes in our lens organoids using various stimuli. By exposing the organoids to stressors such as oxidative stress (e.g., with hydrogen peroxide), UV radiation, or chemical insults (e.g., with selenite), we can model the protein aggregation and cellular damage that lead to lens opacification. This provides a direct, quantifiable system to:
   • Investigate the molecular pathways of cataract formation.
   • Screen for novel anti-cataract compounds that can prevent or reverse opacity.
2. Modeling Genetic and Congenital Cataracts: We utilize iPSCs derived from patients with inherited cataracts or employ CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to introduce specific mutations (e.g., in crystallin genes). This allows for the precise study of how genetic defects disrupt lens development and lead to early-onset cataracts.
3. Toxicology and Drug Safety Screening: The lens is susceptible to off-target drug effects. Our organoid platform provides a human-relevant system to assess the potential for candidate therapeutics to induce cataracts, offering crucial safety data early in the drug development pipeline.

Our Streamlined Project Workflow

Bringing Clarity to Lens Research. Focusing on the Future of Ocular Health.

Leverage the power of human-specific lens organoids to gain unparalleled insights into cataract formation and accelerate your journey toward clinical solutions.

Consult Our Ocular Modeling Specialists

Reference

1. Duot, Matthieu et al. "Eye Lens Organoids Made Simple: Characterization of a New Three-Dimensional Organoid Model for Lens Development and Pathology." Cells vol. 12,20 2478. 18 Oct. 2023, doi:10.3390/cells12202478. Distributed under Open Access License CC BY 4.0 without modification.