New Core Service from The Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) |
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September 18, 2012,
Volume 59, No. 04 |
Despite its many advantages, a major limitation of traditional cell culture is the reliance on rigid (plastic or glass) surfaces that fail to model the elastic microenvironments that almost all cell types inhabit in vivo. This limitation is a source of both false positive and negative results, a problem that becomes particularly acute as biomedical research become more reliant on genome-wide approaches with significant associated cost.
The ITMAT Program in Translational Biomechanics is therefore launching a new core service to provide custom-designed ECM-coated acrylamide hydrogels that can model the elastic microenvironment of most cell types. Cells cultured on hydrogel substrata are amenable to almost all modern cell and molecular analyses. Continuous cell lines and primary cells are readily accommodated. The elasticity of these substrata can be varied to model changes in microenvironment stiffness that might occur with development, differentiation, or disease.
To promote the use of this technology, the HYDROGEL CORE will offer the following services free of charge on a six-month trial basis. Faculty from Penn, ITMAT partner institutions, and members of the ITMAT Program in Translational Biomechanics are eligible for.
1) one-on-one consultation about the advantages and limitations of hydrogel substrata
2) custom-designed ECM-coated hydrogels (matched to the needs of individual research programs) suitable for two pilot experiments
3) hands-on guidance regarding methods for subsequent cell lysis and molecular/cellular analysis
3) hands-on training in the preparation of acrylamide-based hydrogels if you decide that your pilot data are worth pursuing
4) ongoing technical advice
Depending on demand, longer-term hydrogel preparation may be considered on a fee-for-service basis.
For more information about hydrogel substrata or to schedule a consultation, please contact: assoian@mail.med.upenn.edu
—Richard Assoian, Director,
ITMAT Program in Translational Biomechanics |