Is the presence of pericytes at the lesion site of a spinal cord injury (SCI) a good or bad thing? That’s a question that scientists from Ohio State University are working on answering in some recently published research.

SCIs are often devastating, causing neurological issues and long-term disabilities. Axon regeneration failure is the main reason these injuries do not heal, often because of a cellular environment at the lesion that prevents regeneration. 

But what about the role of pericytes in this cellular environment? The investigators find that pericytes have detrimental effects, causing changes to the structure and function of DRG neurons needed for axon regeneration.

Image: Imaging of adult DRG neurons cultured on a human pericyte (supplied by Neuromics) monolayer with or without PDGF-BB stimulation.

However, the story doesn't end there. The researchers found that administration of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) can program pericytes to create a more favorable cellular environment for axon regeneration and lesion repair. This programming could have significant implications as a treatment for SCIs. Read the full study here.

Maintaining the integrity of RNA samples during experiments is crucial, with RNA degradation being a major concern. Worry no more! Neuromics is proud to introduce our newest product, RNase Inactivating Solution (cat. RNA001). 

This highly advanced reagent is expertly crafted to irreversibly eliminate RNase activity. Following the inactivation procedure, it guarantees that every piece of laboratory equipment and consumable is entirely free from RNase contamination.

Our reagent is perfect for all RNA-related applications:

• RNA isolation
• Real-time PCR
• Northern blotting
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
• Many more

As more cancer research is released, it's becoming clear that understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for developing therapies and treatments. Along with tumor cells, cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) also play a key role in the TME. CAFs communicate with cancer cells and are heavily involved in growth and metastasis. Last week, Australian researchers published a study using our human primary pancreatic CAFs (cat. CAF118).

The paper focused on comparing the lipid composition inside of pancreatic tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) to controls. The scientists collected sEVs from many different pancreatic cancer models, including cell lines, patient-derived cells, and mouse models to compare them to benign counterparts. They found that pancreatic cancer linked sEVs were enriched in many specific lipids, including sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid known for cancer pathogenesis.

Image: Small extracellular vesicles from pancreatic cancer cells promote migration of pancreatic cancer associated fibroblasts when compared to control.

The investigators used our cells to see how pancreatic CAFs would react when exposed to pancreatic tumor sEVs. They found that there was a marked increase in CAF migration with the sEVs compared to the control. CAF migration is fundamental for cancers' ability to spread and invade other tissues.

We have some exciting news to share. Despite being on the market for less than a year, researchers just published a study citing our Immortalized Human Kidney Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) (cat. CAF110-IM) for the first time.

The scientists investigated the therapeutic potential of the anti-fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) monoclonal antibody OM-RCA-01. The presence of FGFR1 indicates a poor prognosis for patients with many cancers, including lung and renal cancers. In particular, FGFR1 can make immunotherapies against tumors less effective.

Image: When treated with the anti-CTLA-4 antibody (immunotherapy), the CAF-positive mice had a large tumor size. OM-RCA-01 was able to target both CAF-dependent and CAF-independent resistance to immunotherapy in the renal cancer in vivo model.

In the study, investigators developed several in vitro and in vivo assays to assess how OM-RCA-01 and immunotherapies impact tumors. In one of their models, the researchers cultured our immortalized kidney CAFs with CAF growth media (cat. CAFM03) before mixing them with Renca cells and implanting them into mice.

Along with our consistent efforts to introduce new types of human cells, we are always testing and validating new media formulations so customers can get the most out of our cells. We have now released two new media products - Universal Neurite Outgrowth Media (cat. HNM004) and Universal Tube Formation Media (cat. MED003). These formulations enable researchers to perform new applications and experiments.

Top Image: Primary Human Neurons (cat. HNC001) cultured using Universal Neurite Outgrowth Media. Neurite formation can be seen.

Neurite outgrowths occur when developing neurons produce projections as they grow in response to guidance cues. The formation of neurites is critical for communication between neurons. Universal Neurite Outgrowth Media stimulates neurite formation in vitro to further understand the process. Check out the media here.

Last week, we highlighted two new publications using Neuromics fetal bovine serum (FBS). Well, it took no time for our bio-reagents to appear in newly released publications again. Three more publications featuring Neuromics products were published.

In the first study, scientists at the University of Minnesota cultured our human colorectal cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) (cat. CAF115) in liver cancer research. The investigators used various cell and mouse models to explore how CAFs are activated to promote metastasis. Read the complete publication here.

The second citation focused on a researcher at Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey, utilizing Neuromics type I rat tendon collagen (4 mg/ml) (cat. TY002) to build a 3D organoid breast cancer model. You can learn more here.

Neuromics has just introduced cell culture flasks, plates, and dishes precoated with our popular coating solution, AlphaBioCoat (cat. AC001). These products make plating cells easier than ever. Just grab your precoated product, wash it with PBS, and you're ready to plate. We encourage you to continue reading to learn about all our options, including various sizes and specifications.

AlphaBioCoat solution is a collagen based reagent that helps accelerate cell attachment and growth. We highly recommend its use with all of our many human cell types, whether plating from frozen or transferring the cells. Furthermore, the vast majority of publications using our human cells utilized AlphaBioCoat in their projects. You can check out our human cells and the publications using them here.

Precoated flasks, plates, and dishes all have a uniform and consistent application of AlphaBioCoat. They are aseptically processed and are non-pyrogenic. Additionally, all varieties are sold in packs of 10, shipped at room temperature, and can be stored for up to 6 months at 2-30°C.

Our primary human neurons (cat. HNC001) have been busy lately, continuing to become one of our most popular and versatile products. Earlier this month, Japanese researchers published their findings when creating 3D brain-like spheroids containing our primary human neurons. Their results suggest the spheroids mimic in vivo conditions and are suitable for use as an in vitro neurological disease model. Check out the publication for yourself here.

Since the beginning of 2022, our neurons have been cited a number of times spanning various research areas. They were used by researchers to suggest a link between the COVID-19 virus and Alzheimer's disease (lean more here). Additionally, investigators published findings (see here) using the neurons to find a potential therapeutics target for neuroblastoma.

Image: Neuromics primary human neurons in culture.

Our neurons are just one of many reliable and research proven human cell types and lines we offer. We encourage you to explore all our human cells and the many citations using them.

Neuromics offers a large selection of tools for cell culturers, and we want to make sure you're aware of all of them. With Matrigel hard to find at the moment, we thought it'd be a great time to mention that our Collagel Hydrogels are in stock and ready to be used as a substitute for Matrigel. 

Using our Type I Rat Tendon Collagen as the core ingredient, we have created a special formulation that creates a gel. Like Matrigel, our Collagel Hydrogels build a strong basement membrane for both 2D and 3D cell cultures. In your model, these hydrogels match the softness of the body's tissue and will not break or tear apart easily when stretched.

Image: Primary hepatocyte culture in 3D model using our Collagel Hydrogel.

We use Neuromics' Collagel Hydrogels in our lab when preparing our own 3D models. This includes our 3D Human Blood-Brain Barrier Model, which was just featured in Alzheimer's Disease research published this week (check it out here).

Read more to check out all of our hydrogels...

To show appreciation to our customers, Neuromics enjoys highlighting research utilizing our products. Additionally, the results show that our reagents are truly research proven, as we often claim. In the past week alone, two articles have been published looking into complications related to diabetes that use human cells from Neuromics.

In the first publication, a group of scientists from Poznan University of Medical Sciences utilized our human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) (cat.# HEC09) in their diabetic retinopathy research. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by the senescence of HREC resulting from exposure to high levels of glucose in the blood. Using our HREC, these researchers showed that Sulodexide, a drug composed of a mixture of low molecular-weight heparin and dermatan sulphate, slows down the senescence of HREC in high glucose environments. In addition to our HRECs, the researchers used Alphabiocoat solution (cat.# AC001), ENDO-growth media (cat.# MED001), and cell detachment solution (cat.# ADF001) from Neuromics in the process of plating and culturing the cells.

Image: Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells in culture

Read more to learn about the second publication...

Collagen is a fibrous protein found in the extracellular matrix and connective tissue. The most common form of collagen is type I and is most prevalent in bone, tendon and skin. It consists of 3 intertwined coiled subunits: 2 x α1 (I) chains and 1 x α2 (I) chain. Each chain contains 1050 amino acids wound tightly around one another in a characteristic right-handed triple helix. The triple-helical structure of collagen arises from unique abundance of the amino acids in collagen appear in a characteristic repeating motif Gly-X-Y, where X is usually proline and Y is usually hydroxyproline.

AlphaBioCoat Solution (AC001) is a biocompatible complex of extracellular matrix binding solution that is supplemented with growth factors. It helps accelerate cell attachment and cell growth. AC001 is the premium version of our Smooth Coat Solution (SC300).

When researchers are considering using our human brain cells, they often voice concerns about growth. In order to address these concerns, we explain that we have optimized our media and coatings in order to meet their assay needs.

To the right, we have an example of how our human brain pericytes grow over time. Clearly, growth will not be a concern.

Just last month, we shared some neuroblastoma research using our Primary Human Neurons (cat. HNC001). Well, it didn't take long for our neurons to remind us about their extensive abilities and get back in the spotlight.

Earlier this month, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine released preliminary findings demonstrating a link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease. Using human primary neurons provided by Neuromics, the investigators infected the cells with SARS-CoV-2 and saw the infection created an Alzheimer's-like neuropathology in the formerly healthy neurons.

Image: "Analysis of the effect of siRNA mediated individual or combined knockdown of the top 3 downregulated genes, GJA8, CryAA2 and PSG6, on the AD infectious etiology gene signature in primary human neurons. Cellular A aggregation (top row) and cellular p-Tau deposition (bottom row). AB Aggregate and p-Tau accumulation in the cytoplasm or neuronal axon are indicated by white arrowheads. Scale bar, 50 µm."

This effect on primary neurons translated to other donor neuron tissues as well, with the scientists continuing to find an Alzheimer’s-like neuropathology in healthy individuals and an aggravated Alzheimer’s neuropathology in Alzheimer’s patients. We encourage you to check out the full publication here.