Scientists create models to provide test systems for experimentation. The quality of the data obtained is only as good as the inherent properties of the model used to recreate the phenomenon under study. Xgene is offering models of organ systems in the human body that are the most advanced available today. If your organization is developing products for human healthcare, personal care, or cosmetics, AccuOrgans™ are important to your success.

AccuOrgans™ define the state of the art in 3-D organ regeneration. It is important to understand the models available today and what scientific principles their platforms are based on.

1) AccuOrgans^™ are generated by the process of spontaneous cell sorting from mixed cell slurries containing epithelial and mesenchymal cell types (and potentially other cell types as well). The cells used to create the tissue layers migrate relative to each other in order to create organs, therefore only cells that are truly interacting with each other are present in correct orientation to all other cells. Even within one cell type there are subpopulations of cells with unique properties that must be localized to specific locations in order to be functional (for example, basal cells). Only by relying upon cell migration is it guaranteed that each cell is in its correct location, and therefore AccuOrgans^™ are the most biologically correct models.

2) Solid Matrix Models typically rely on gelled collagen from bovine or rat tail sources to provide a solid support for placing mesenchymal cells in. For example in skin the model first suggested by Eugene Bell utilized gelled collagen to which fibroblasts were sprinkled in at low concentrations. After the gel solidifies an epidermal layer can be placed on top of the hardened surface provided by the collagen. The layers only exist because of the hardened surface, much like baking a cake to provide a hard surface and smearing icing on top. In living organisms tissue layers are NOT created in this way.

3) Scaffold Models start with the creation of non-living matrix polymers that are designed to allow cells to hang from their support structure. The scaffolds mimic the natural scaffolds secreted by cells, and seek to provide the cells with the matrix ahead of time, before the cells have taken up residence. Creating scaffolds may be necessary for quick generation of large volume organs for graft replacement of ‘artificial’ organs in the future, but for accurately modeling organ functions the scaffolds themselves offer no biological advantage. Cells are capable of generating their own scaffolds, and the presence of the scaffold does not guarantee correct relative positioning of the cells. Only our cell sorting technology coupled with scaffolds has that capability, and we invite collaborations in this area.

Xgene Corporation’s 3-D tissue culture models provide powerful biological systems to complement advanced molecular tools for drug and active ingredient screening. One of the major efforts in the development process of new drug targets is achieved by altered the target gene, then characterizing the key physiological responses. To screen effectively for drug candidates or active ingredients the use of robust biological models, whose simplicity allows them to be part of the early screening and selection processes, is essential and decreases efforts in respect to time and finances. We are also extending our technology to model other organs as gastrointestinal epithelia, oral mucosa, lung epithelia, urinary bladder epithelia and blood vessel endothelia.

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