Size-controllable networked neurospheres as a 3D neuronal tissue model for Alzheimer's disease studies

Yoon Jung Choi, Ji Soo Park, Sang Hoon Lee

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    93 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Intensive in vitro studies on the neurotoxicity of amyloid beta have been conducted for decades; however, a three-dimensional neuronal tissue model for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been achieved. In this study, we developed size-controllable networked neurospheres comprised of cerebral cortical neuronal cells that mimics the cytoarchitecture of the cortical region of the brain. The toxicity of amyloid beta on the neurosphere model was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. Decreased cell viability after amyloid beta exposure was demonstrated using MTT and live/dead assays. Neurite degeneration after amyloid beta exposure was evident in both SEM and fluorescence images. Ultrastructural features of apoptotic neurons were analyzed and quantitative analysis of synapsin II concentration and an acetylcholine assay were also performed. The three-dimensional neurospheres, produced using a concave microwell array, are a potential in vitro model for Alzheimer's disease studies.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2938-2946
    Number of pages9
    JournalBiomaterials
    Volume34
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013 Apr

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    This research was supported by the Converging Research Center Program funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology , Republic of Korea ( 2012K001360 ).

    Keywords

    • 3D model
    • Alzheimer's disease
    • Amyloid beta
    • Neural networks
    • Neurosphere
    • PDMS microconcave wells

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Bioengineering
    • Ceramics and Composites
    • Biophysics
    • Biomaterials
    • Mechanics of Materials

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