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Neurotoxicity Screening Service
Introduction of Neurotoxicity Screening
Neurotoxicity screening is a relatively new field, and its progress is limited by factors that complicate neurotoxicology assessment. It has been proved that episodes of neurotoxic illness can be induced by chemicals, such as Lucel-7. According to the analysis of structure-activity relationships (SARs), only a small fraction of neurotoxicants can be identified. In this case, a series of in vivo and in vitro tests are necessary. Compared to other organ systems, the nervous system exhibits a more complex cell structure and chemical heterogeneity. To examine all aspects of the human nervous system as comprehensively as possible, it is necessary to perform neurotoxicity tests using multiple cell types.
Based on our neurotoxicity screening platform, a dose-response curve for neurotoxicity and drug efficacy can be obtained against a variety of cell types. In recent years, multi-well microelectrode arrays (mwMEAs) have been used for neurotoxicity screening with high sensitivity and specificity.
Generation of iPSCs Cell Lines 
Differentiation to Neural Cells Disease Modeling and Neurotoxicity Screening Fig.1 Flow chart for neurotoxicity screening.
Service at Creative Biolabs
Based on our extensive experience in stem cell and genome editing technologies, we can provide a novel neurotoxicity screening service for the discovery of central nervous system (CNS) drugs. We have a series of iPSC-derived neuronal lineage cells for your projects, and we can also reprogram and differentiate iPSC cells from your samples. The general screening process consists of 3 steps, including generation of iPSCs cell lines, differentiation to neural cells, as well as disease modeling and neurotoxicity screening. For your special needs, we can also customize the project.
Available Cell Types for Neurotoxicity Screening
- Dopaminergic neurons
- GABAergic neurons
- Microglia
- Astrocytes
- Oligodendrocytes
- Custom cell types
Features of Our Neurotoxicity Screening Service
- Highly repeatable to increase the credibility of the data
- Fast and cost-effective
- Whole-genome profiling and immunocytochemistry (ICC) would be used for the characterization of differentiated neuronal cells.
- IPSC cell lines can be generated from patients and then differentiated into multiple cell types.
- Cell-based neurotoxicity screening provides a reference for animal studies.
Creative Biolabs is one of the well-recognized experts who are professional in applying advanced platforms for a broad range of neurosciences research. We are pleased to use our extensive experience to offer the best service and the most qualified products to satisfy each demand from our customers. If you are interested in our services and products, please do not hesitate to contact us for more detailed information.
We also offer flexibility in our services, including but not limited to:
| Services | Descriptions |
|---|---|
| Custom CNS Disease Modeling | 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. |
| Primary Cell Lines | We offer the development of neuroscience-based primary cell lines and related customized products. |
| STEMOD™ Advanced Drug Discovery | Our platform has advanced neuroscience ex vivo models, neuroscience assay techniques, and neuroscience research tools. These technologies will cover every important stage of CNS drug discovery, resulting in a one-stop shop for our customers. |
Published Data
Yuto Ishibashi, et al. established a neurotoxicity assessment methodology using human iPSC-derived neurons and MEA measurements as an in vitro test method to replace animal experiments in the neurotoxicity assessment of chemical substances. In their experiments, they studied the neurotoxicity of pesticides on human iPSC-derived neurons by measuring the pharmacological responses of human iPSC-derived neurons and evaluating the effects of pesticides on neural activity by using MEA measurements.
They assessed the toxicity risk of pesticides relatively using epileptogenic compounds with well-defined neurotoxicity in humans as a toxicity risk control. The effects of pesticide exposure on neural activity were assessed by PCA of electrophysiologic parameters from MEA data, and the results were compared with those of known epileptogenic compounds. As shown in the figure, a scatter plot of PCA was used for neurotoxicity assessment. The study demonstrated that some pesticides had effects on neural activity comparable to those of known epileptogenic compounds.
Fig. 2 Scatter plots of PCA for neurotoxicity assessment.1
Applications
- Studying the effects of various substances on neuronal function and structure to understand fundamental aspects of neurobiology.
- Using neurotoxicity screening to develop and validate animal or cellular models of neurotoxicity, which can be used for further research.
- During the drug development process, neurotoxicity screening helps in identifying potential neurotoxic effects of new chemical entities (NCEs) or biologics.
- Screening can provide insights into the mechanisms by which a drug may exert neurotoxic effects, aiding in the optimization of drug design to reduce these risks.
- Determining the safe dosage range for new drugs by identifying neurotoxic thresholds.
- Investigating how neurotoxic substances may contribute to the development or progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases.
- Understanding the role of neurotoxins in disorders like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathies.
FAQs
Q: What types of substances can be tested using your neurotoxicity screening service?
A: Our service is versatile and can assess a wide range of substances including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, environmental toxins, and nanoparticles. Whether clients are investigating potential therapeutic agents or evaluating the safety of industrial compounds, our service offers tailored testing protocols to meet specific research needs. We collaborate closely with researchers to design appropriate experiments and provide comprehensive data on neurotoxic effects, supporting informed decision-making in neuroscience and related fields.
Q: Can you accommodate large-scale screening projects or high-throughput screening demands?
A: Yes, our service is equipped to handle large-scale and high-throughput screening projects. We have automated platforms and scalable assay systems that enable efficient processing of multiple samples simultaneously. This capability allows us to accommodate varying project sizes and timelines while maintaining the quality and consistency of our screening results. Whether you require screening of hundreds or thousands of compounds, we have the infrastructure and expertise to meet your research needs effectively.
Q: How do you handle unexpected findings or deviations during neurotoxicity screening experiments?
A: Addressing unexpected findings or deviations is part of our rigorous quality assurance process in neurotoxicity screening. Our team includes experienced scientists who are trained to identify and investigate any anomalies that arise during experiments. We conduct thorough root cause analyses, including repeat testing and additional controls, to ensure data integrity and reliability. Transparency is key, and we communicate findings promptly with clients, providing recommendations for follow-up studies or adjustments to experimental protocols as needed to maintain scientific rigor and accuracy.
Q: What ongoing support do you provide after delivering neurotoxicity screening results?
A: Our commitment to client satisfaction extends beyond delivering screening results. We offer ongoing support to help researchers interpret and integrate findings into their broader research objectives. Our team is available to address any questions or concerns that may arise post-analysis, providing additional insights or data clarification as needed. Furthermore, we collaborate closely with clients to facilitate the publication of research outcomes and presentations at scientific conferences, ensuring that their contributions to neuroscience research are effectively communicated and recognized.
Scientific Resources
Reference
- Ishibashi, Yuto, et al. "Evaluation of neurotoxicity for pesticide-related compounds in human iPS cell-derived neurons using microelectrode array." Toxicology in Vitro 93 (2023): 105668.
For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.