Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Model based In Vitro Assay Services

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Without treatment, individuals with MS experience increasing deficits in mental and physical function. At Creative Biolabs, we aim to provide comprehensive and state-of-the-art in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo assays to the researchers unraveling the complex mechanisms behind this disease.

Available In Vitro Models

Fig.1 MS in vitro models.¹

Cell models	Details
MS Patient-Derived iPSCs	Using iPSCs derived from samples diagnosed with MS, it is possible to reconstitute MS phenotypes following differentiation into neuronal cell types due to the fact that iPSCs retain genetic and epigenetic information from their precursors. This creates a powerful platform for MS research and drug development by eliminating the logistical hurdles associated with primary samples.
In Vitro Primary Culture	We offer primary mono-culture and co-culture models from mice and rats. These models closely resemble their in vivo counterparts and are standard both in basic research and in drug discovery for MS.
Organotypic cultures	A widely used approach for investigating MS is to employ organotypic cultures. These cultures involve sectioning the brain into thin slices for experimentation. Among in vitro models, these cultures remain the closest to their in vivo counterparts by preserving both the cellular makeup and 3D structure of the brain.

Available Assays

Based on the MS in vitro models we developed, we developed a series of multi-validated MS in vitro assays that generate quantitative readouts, allowing for precise assessment of therapeutic treatments.

• Myelination Assay

Myelin regeneration is a fundamental therapeutic goal in multiple sclerosis. For further investigation into myelin dynamics, we have developed an assay in which, we use co-cultures of oligodendrocytes and neurons to recapitulate the in vitro processes of myelination, demyelination, and remyelination. This assay is an excellent platform for the efficient evaluation of compounds for the treatment of MS and related conditions.

• Cytokine Release Assay

Our cytokine detection platform uses fluorescent microspheres coupled with highly specific monoclonal antibodies, which can effectively detect multiple cytokines at the same time. This allows for characterization of the inflammatory environment associated with MS and evaluation of potential therapies on said inflammatory environment.

• Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Neuroinflammation Assay

Lipopolysaccharides are derived from the membranes of bacteria, and are used in research to elicit powerful inflammatory responses from immune cells. Here at Creative Biolabs, we have developed an assay which uses LPS to mimic the conditions of inflammatory lesions, creating a useful tool for investigating MS pathology and for screening compounds which may treat MS-induced neuroinflammation.

• Nitric Oxide Production Assay

Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that controls neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are critical components of MS pathogenesis. Due to its transient nature, measuring nitric oxide is notoriously difficult. However, with our expertise and established in-house methods, we are prepared to quickly provide high-quality results from a variety of sample types.

• Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs) Proliferation Assay

Remyelination of damaged axons is an effective therapeutic strategy for MS. Biological processes that may lead to remyelination of damaged nerves include (i) recruitment of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and (ii) differentiation of OPCs into mature myelinating oligodendrocytes. Our OPC proliferation assay allows for the exploration of such processes, and how these processes change in response to stimuli.

With decades of experience in neuroscience research and industry, we at Creative Biolabs are ready to take your MS research to the next level. For further information, please contact us.

Reference

1. Marangon, Davide, et al. "Novel in vitro experimental approaches to study myelination and remyelination in the central nervous system." Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 15 (2021): 748849. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.