Narcolepsy Cell Model Products
Introduction
Narcolepsy, particularly Type 1, is a debilitating neurological disorder defined by the profound and specific loss of hypocretin (orexin) neurons in the hypothalamus. For decades, research into the underlying causes and potential treatments has been hampered by a critical limitation: the lack of accessible, physiologically relevant human cell models. The inability to study these rare, deep-brain neurons in a controlled, scalable manner has created a significant bottleneck for drug discovery and a deeper understanding of the disease's autoimmune etiology.
Creative Biolabs shatters this barrier. As a leader in neurological disease modeling, we have leveraged cutting-edge induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology and advanced gene editing to create an unparalleled portfolio of narcolepsy cell model products. Our models provide the scientific community with the robust, reliable, and clinically relevant tools necessary to move beyond theoretical concepts and into a new era of tangible discovery. We empower you to investigate the mechanisms of neuronal loss, screen for neuroprotective compounds, and develop next-generation therapeutic strategies with unprecedented precision.
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Types
| Types | Description |
|---|---|
| HCRT Knockout (KO) Neuronal Models | Utilizing advanced CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we have engineered these models by knocking out the Hypocretin/Orexin (HCRT) gene in iPSCs. These neurons directly mimic the core pathology of Narcolepsy Type 1—orexin deficiency—making them the ideal tool for studying disease mechanisms and screening targeted compounds. |
| Isogenic Control Neuronal Models | To ensure the highest level of scientific rigor, we provide isogenic controls that share the exact same genetic background as our HCRT KO models. Using this perfect match ensures that any observed experimental differences can be confidently attributed to the modification of the HCRT gene, eliminating confounding variables from the genetic background. |
| Patient-Derived iPSC Models (Custom Service) | This custom service allows you to study narcolepsy within the context of an individual's unique genetic landscape. We can reprogram somatic cells from narcolepsy patients into iPSCs and subsequently differentiate them into neurons, providing a powerful platform to investigate how specific genetic variations influence disease manifestation and therapeutic response. |
| Bespoke Genetic Engineering Services | If your research goals extend beyond our standard portfolio, our expert team offers fully customized genetic engineering services. Whether you need to target other relevant genes (such as the orexin receptors HCRTR1, HCRTR2), introduce specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or create models with other novel mutations, we can build the precise cellular tool to test your unique scientific hypotheses. |
Advantages
Accelerate Your Research
Move directly from target concept to screening and validation. Our ready-to-use models drastically shorten project timelines and reduce R&D costs.
Achieve Unprecedented Relevance
Study narcolepsy in the context of human genetics and biology, providing more predictive data for clinical translation than conventional animal models.
Ensure Reproducibility
Isogenic controls and stringent QC processes minimize lot-to-lot variability, providing a reliable and consistent platform for reproducible results across your organization.
Model Core Disease Pathology
Our HCRT knockout models directly mimic the primary cause of Narcolepsy Type 1, providing an ideal system for studying disease mechanisms and screening for Orexin Receptor agonists.
Applications
Our Narcolepsy Cell Models are more than just reagents; they are dynamic systems designed to answer the most challenging questions in the field. Below are detailed applications where Creative Biolabs' products provide a distinct competitive advantage, enabling research that was previously impossible.
| Applications | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Throughput Compound Screening | Utilize our neuron models to screen vast compound libraries. Rapidly identify bioactive molecules that protect hypocretin neurons or restore their function, significantly accelerating the discovery process. |
| Modeling Cellular Interactions | Reconstruct the immune-mediated destruction of neurons using our co-culture systems. This allows for direct testing of immunomodulatory agents that can block this pathological process. |
| Precise Mechanistic Studies | Use our CRISPR-engineered isogenic control lines to pinpoint the exact function of the hypocretin gene. This eliminates genetic background noise, providing clear and definitive answers for your research. |
| Validating Cell Replacement Strategies | Benchmark your investigational cell populations against our highly characterized neurons. Efficiently test the survival, function, and integration potential of new cells before advancing to in vivo models. |
| Research into Biological Stratification | Assess the differential effects of bioactive compounds on neurons from various donor backgrounds. This approach helps elucidate how specific genetic profiles influence cellular responses. |
Fig.1 Schematic figure represents the possible mechanism for the autoimmune hypothesis for narcolepsy with cataplexy.1
FAQs
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What functional activity do the neurons exhibit?
Our neurons exhibit typical electrophysiological properties, including spontaneous firing and synaptic activity, which can be measured by techniques like a multi-electrode array (MEA). -
Can you create a model with a different gene knockout or a specific SNP?
Absolutely. Our custom engineering service specializes in creating bespoke models. Please contact us to discuss your specific gene of interest. -
Are the cells suitable for automated high-content screening (HCS) platforms?
Absolutely. The models are optimized for HCS applications. They form a consistent neuronal monolayer that is ideal for automated imaging and are compatible with standard microplate formats, including 96-well and 384-well plates.
The path to breakthrough discoveries in narcolepsy starts with understanding its fundamental biology. Creative Biolabs provides the critical tools to illuminate that path. Stop losing valuable time and resources on model development and start generating impactful data today.
Contact our scientific support team to discuss your project needs, request a quote, or download our complete catalog of neurological cell models.
Related Product Sections
A comprehensive portfolio of research tools for other major disease areas is also available below.
Reference
- Chavda, Vishal, et al. "Narcolepsy—a neuropathological obscure sleep disorder: a narrative review of current literature." Brain sciences 12.11 (2022): 1473. DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111473. Use under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.