Sensory Neurons Efficacy Assay

Background

Sensory neurons are able to detect numerous external stimuli. Mature sensory neurons express nociception-relevant markers, including BRN3a, SOX10, SCN9A, HCN, and acid sensing ion channels (ASICs), which are the signs of pain research. Sensory neurons also express frataxin, which causes Friedreich's Ataxia. In recent years, advanced novel technologies have enabled the development of specific cell types with great potential for directed differentiation from human stem cells. In vitro sensory neuron efficacy determination requires access to a sufficient number of relevant neuronal cell types. For this purpose, Creative Biolabs provides reproducible large-scale generation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived sensory neurons. Our sensory neuron efficacy determination service uses mature human iPSC-derived sensory neurons to evaluate neurite outgrowth and calcium release in response to the treatment of drug candidates, which can be used to screen potential drugs for pain and Friedreich's Ataxia.

Sensory Neurons Efficacy Assay

The sensory neurons efficacy assay is based on human iPSC-derived sensory neurons. Creative Biolabs provides hiPS cells that are cultured on human embryonic stem cells and then differentiate into functional sensory neurons on a large-scale. Our immunocytochemistry services for iPSC sensory neurons can be used to check if the neurons are matured from cryopreserved cells. In addition, we offer veratridine-induced excitability assay with indicator dye, which can be applied to compare the veratridine-induced calcium responses of different compounds. The assay can be efficiently and high-throughput-compatibly screened and analyzed by fluorescent kinetic calcium flux readouts. Our professional team chose to measure neuronal function via Ca²⁺ changes, since such rapid variations of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels are widely utilized as a measure of neuronal excitability, and are accessible to higher throughput.

Fig.1 Differentiation scheme of iPS cells into sensory neurons. (Meents, et al., 2019)

Creative Biolabs has a long-standing commitment to providing a variety of neuron-related assays. Our experienced team provides reproducible human iPSC sensory neurons efficacy assay for high-throughput pain-related phenotypic screening that are capable of identifying new mechanisms of action, signaling pathways, and compounds that regulate neuronal excitability, as well as screening novel targets of interest in pain research. Researchers could thus explore novel neuron-related drugs in an unforeseen way. Our professional team is pleased to offer our global clients reliable sensory neuron efficacy assay services. If you want to find out more details about the sensory neuron efficacy assay, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Meents, J.E.; et al. The role of Nav1. 7 in human nociceptors: insights from human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived sensory neurons of erythromelalgia patients. Pain. 2019, 160(6): 1327.