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Custom CNS Disease Modeling Services
- Alzheimer's Disease Models Service
- Huntington's Disease Models Service
- Parkinson's Disease Models Service
Overview of CNS Diseases
The central nervous system (CNS) is the most complex entity in the human body. It is susceptible to irreversible degenerative and traumatic injuries, which can severely impair its function and significantly reduce the life quality of patients. CNS diseases and injuries remain some of the most challenging medical, social, and economic problems to date. Specifically, CNS diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are significantly more prevalent in the elderly. With an aging global population, the number of people affected by these degenerative neurological disorders is expected to rise to unprecedented levels. Therefore, laboratory-based, bottom-up studies of the complicated pathophysiological mechanisms of CNS diseases promise to accelerate the evaluation and development of novel repair strategies.
Emerging Technologies and CNS Diseases
A series of recently developed techniques hold promise to accelerate the investigation of nervous system disease mechanisms and contribute to the development of novel therapies. First, the genomics revolution has led to the identification of specific copy numbers and gene variants that confer an increased risk of brain disorders. Second, the swift pace of genome engineering tool development with CRISPR-Cas9 has enabled rapid, precise, and multiplexed genome modifications to investigate gene-function relationships in cellular, rodent, and primate models. Third, patient-derived somatic cells can now be converted into human-induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells capable of differentiating into a wide variety of cellular lineages in culture. These advances in cellular reprogramming make it possible that the in vitro generation of neurons and other brain cell types from an individual's unique genetic background. Lastly, the bioengineering of stem cell-derived, self-organizing, three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures also known as organoids introduces more degrees of developmental freedom and models brain structure in remarkable and surprisingly complex ways.
Fig.1 Investigating Neuropsychiatric Disorders. (Amin, 2018)
Why In Vitro Models Important in CNS Diseases?
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- Parkinson Disease
AD is characterized by progressive memory, language, and behavioral dysfunction and is associated with β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in extracellular and intracellular neuronal spaces, respectively. Mouse models lack neurofibrillary tangle pathology, and while monolayer neuronal cultures from AD patients express toxic proteins, they lack both plaques and tangles, which limits their utility as model systems.
The prevalence of Huntington's disease (HD) is 4-10 per 100 000 in the western world, with many more people at risk of the disease. The mean age of onset is 40 years, with death occurring 15-20 years from onset. Clinical features of HD include progressive motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbance probably caused by both neuronal dysfunction and neuronal cell death. Stem-cell-based technologies represent a promising direction in HD treatment because of the ability of stem cells to differentiate into NPCs and replace damaged neurons as well as prevent neural cell death.
The incidence rate of PD occupies the second most frequent position in neurodegenerative diseases, is about 20 cases per 100,000 population and the prevalence of PD is approximately 160 cases per 100,000 population. Due to loss of dopamine neuron (DAn) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), patients manifest motor degeneration in later stages, including resting tremor, rigidity, akinesia, and impairment of postural reflexes. To date, the animal model of PD has progressively matured, however, those gross experimental PD models cannot recapitulate the intrinsic neuropathological features of PD, which do not repeat the special vulnerability to neurodegeneration of DAn and the natural process of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. Stem cells have multi-lineage differentiation potential, maintain self-renew and proliferative ability, which make us create conditions to model inherent features in the pathogenesis of PD and study PD at the cellular level.
Fig.2 Human Brain Organoids Are Versatile and Accessible Cellular Models. (Amin, 2018)
Services at Creative Biolabs
As a global-leading CRO company, Creative Biolabs has a great reputation for providing neuroscience-based services. We have optimized our neuroscience in vitro model platform with advanced technologies, high-quality facilities, and professional experts. Our platform can offer reliable custom CNS disease modeling services including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease models, Huntington's disease models, and Parkinson's disease models. All these advantages consist of strong guarantees of the quality of our services.
If you are interested in custom CNS disease modeling services, or you have any other questions about our services, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Our service includes designing and implementing genetically modified animal models or in vitro models that accurately replicate human disease pathology. For instance, we can create models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, or ALS. Similarly, we can mimic conditions like epilepsy, autism, schizophrenia, depression, or spinal cord injury, among others.
| Service Process | Services Overview |
|---|---|
| Consultation and Planning | We begin by understanding the specific requirements and goals of our clients. This involves discussing the disease of interest, the desired outcomes, and any particular aspects of the disease model that need to be addressed. |
| Model Development | Based on the consultation, we design and develop customized CNS disease models. These models can range from cellular and tissue-based models to more complex in vivo models, depending on the needs of the project. We have expertise in utilizing various techniques such as iPSCs, organoids, animal models, and advanced imaging technologies. |
| Disease Phenotyping | Once the models are established, we conduct thorough phenotypic characterization to ensure that they accurately recapitulate the pathological features of the target disease. This includes assessing molecular, cellular, and functional aspects of the model to validate its relevance. |
| Drug Screening and Testing | Our disease models can be utilized for drug discovery and testing purposes. We offer screening services to identify potential therapeutic candidates and evaluate their efficacy in mitigating disease-associated phenotypes. This can involve high-throughput screening assays as well as more targeted studies. |
| Data Analysis and Reporting | We provide comprehensive analysis of experimental data, along with detailed reports summarizing the findings and insights gained from the study. This includes interpretation of results, identification of potential therapeutic targets, and recommendations for further research or development. |
Service Features
- Personalized disease models
- Cutting-edge techniques
- High-throughput screening
- Comprehensive data analysis
- Efficient turnaround time
- Multidisciplinary expertise
Applications
Drug Discovery
Personalized Treatments
Mechanism of Disease Understanding
Biomarker Discovery
FAQs
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Q: What types of technologies do you utilize in these modeling services?
A: We utilize a variety of advanced technologies in CNS disease modeling including gene editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, in vitro and in vivo imaging techniques, and histology analytical tools among others. -
Q: What information or materials do I need to provide for a custom model?
A: To create a custom model, we typically require detailed information about the disease or condition you are studying, including any known genetic factors, pathological characteristics, and your specific research needs or goals. -
Q: Can your services model rare or lesser-known CNS diseases?
A: Yes, we can model a wide range of CNS diseases, including those that are rare or lesser-known. Our goal is to assist researchers in all fields of neurology, and we are continually updating our capabilities to reflect the latest scientific advancements. -
Q: Can I receive updates on the progress of my custom model?
A: Absolutely! We believe in maintaining open and transparent communication with our clients. You'll receive regular updates on the progress of your custom model, and we're always available to answer any questions that you may have about the process. -
Q: How long does it take to create a custom model for a CNS disease?
A: The time frame for creating a custom model can vary depending on the complexity of the disease being modeled. Typically, it takes several weeks to months, but we will provide an estimated timeline based on the specifics of your project.
Scientific Resources
Reference
- Amin, N. D. and Pasca, S. P. Building Models of Brain Disorders with Three-Dimensional Organoids. Neuron. 2018, 100(2): 389-405.
For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.