Motor Neurons Assay

Motor neurons are specialized cells in the nervous system that are responsible for controlling voluntary and involuntary movements in the body. The study of motor neurons is important in understanding various neuromuscular diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which are caused by the degeneration of motor neurons. Therefore, the development of assays that can accurately assess the function and viability of motor neurons is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. At Creative Biolabs, we understand the importance of characterizing motor neurons in order to study their function and behavior. To this end, we offer a comprehensive set of characterization services that evaluate their morphology, function, and viability.

Motor Neuron Production

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which present new opportunities for modeling disease processes and screening drug libraries of the central nervous system (CNS). We have developed technology to produce very large quantities of highly enriched human neurons from patient iPSCs and to greatly accelerate their maturation. The workflow for producing motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) involves several critical steps, including iPSC generation, NPC differentiation, motor neuron differentiation, and quality control testing. Our team of experts also has extensive gene editing experience in iPSCs and can provide tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Fig.1 General workflow for Neuron Production. (Faye, 2020)

Morphology Assay

When it comes to evaluating the morphology of motor neurons, we utilize a variety of staining techniques, such as immunofluorescence, which allow us to visualize specific proteins and structures within the cells. By examining the morphology of motor neurons, we can gain insight into their structure and organization, which can in turn inform our understanding of their function.

Fig. 2: Detection of motor neuron markers with immunofluorescence staining. (Zhang, 2017)

Electrophysiology Assay

In addition to assessing the morphology of motor neurons, we also evaluate their functionality through electrophysiological recordings. These recordings measure the activity of the cells by assessing the electrical signals generated by motor neurons. By analyzing the electrical activity of motor neurons, we can gain insight intbo their behavior and function.

Survival/Viability/Apoptosis Assay

Finally, we also evaluate the viability of motor neurons by measuring their metabolic activity using assays that assess ATP production. Creative Biolabs has developed the Ready-2-Go (R2G) Neuronal Apoptosis and Viability Assay Service, enabling robust, accurate, simultaneous quantification of neuronal cell viability and apoptosis using a homogeneous assay workflow with dye-based detection. This approach maximizes data quality by minimizing pipetting steps and eliminating wash steps that could exacerbate the loss of dead or dying cells.

Fig.3 Assay workflow(left) and assay details (right). (Creative Biolabs)

Our Advantages

Expert Support: Our team of expert scientists is available to provide support and guidance throughout the entire research process. From assay design to data analysis, we are here to help you achieve your research goals.

Fast Turnaround Times: We know that time is a critical factor in research, and we pride ourselves on our fast turnaround times. We work efficiently to deliver accurate results as quickly as possible, so you can move your research forward.

High-Quality Results: Our Motor Neurons Assay and other services are designed to provide high-quality, accurate results. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that you can trust your data.

The characterization of motor neurons is a complex and intricate process that demands expertise and meticulous attention to detail. At Creative Biolabs, our team of seasoned scientists is dedicated to delivering dependable and precise data by leveraging cutting-edge techniques and equipment. Whether you are studying motor neuron disease or investigating the mechanisms underlying motor neuron function, we are here to help you achieve your research goals. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can support you in your endeavors!

References

1. Zhang, Qi-Jie, et al. "Modeling the phenotype of spinal muscular atrophy by the direct conversion of human fibroblasts to motor neurons." Oncotarget 8.7 (2017): 10945.
2. Faye, Pierre-Antoine, et al. "Optimized protocol to generate spinal motor neuron cells from induced pluripotent stem cells from charcot marie tooth patients." Brain Sciences 10.7 (2020): 407.