Save 100 USD on our hN2™ Primary Neurons

Potent, Pure and Easy to Culture

Assay data continues to roll in. I am pleased by the high lot to lot consistencies of our hN2 Primary Human Neurons resulting in data reproducibility. Here're an examples of outgrowth/tox assays: In conjunction with Molecular Devices' ImageeXpress HCI platform, hN2 differentiated neuronal cells can be used to evaluate potential toxic effects of test compounds on nuerite outgrowth through visualizing cells stained with β-lll tubulin.

Figure: Dose response curves for the effect of neurotoxic agents on neurite outgrowth. hN2™ cells were cultured in the presence of cytotoxic compounds for 72h, stained for β-lll tubulin, imaged with the ImageeXpress and analyzed for neurite outgrowth.

I am always available for product related issues and questions. I cam be reached at direct phone: 612-801-1007 and pshuster@neuromics.com. Pete Shuster, CEO and Owner, Neuromics.

The Importance of in vivo Like Astroglial-Neuron Co-Cultures

What We Have Learned

I have many posting on both Neuron and Astroglial Cultures. We have now evolved our solution set to include in vivo like co-cultures. These Astroglial Neuron Co-cultures are designed to mimic in vivo like behaviors. They are potent, pure and proven to work in our clients' unique neurodegenerative disease and toxicity drug discovery assays.

Why is this important? The mix of Astrocytes, Glia and Neurons in your co-cultures can impact your data endpoints and lead to inaccurate conclusions. Here're examples as to how much your data can fluctuate. These are data generated from toxicity assays.

We stand ready to serve you and your team. Questions? Don not hesitate to call 612-801-1007 or e-mail me pshuster@neuromics.com. Pete Shuster, CEO and Owner, Neuromics.

Neuro-Toxicity Co-Culture

Poster Presentation at Society of Toxicologist Annual Meeting 2015.

As part of Neuromics' strategic selling partnership with ArunA Biomedical. We are attending the SOT 2015 meeting in San Diego, CA.

I am particular excited about our getting the word out on our solutions via poster presentations. Here's the line up:

“In-vitro Human Developmental Neurotoxicity Screening Using Multiple Cell Types"

Anirban Majumder¹, Xian Wu^2,3, Shelley Wallace¹, Jane Le¹, Steven L. Stice^1,2,3

 ¹ArunA Biomedical, Inc. Athens, GA, USA, ²Regenerative Bioscience Center, ³Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

Abstract Number/Poster Board number: 636 Poster Board -443

Presentation: March 23, 2015 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, CC Exhibit Hall 

“Mouse Pluripotent Stem Cell Motor Neurons Generate Robust Neural Network Activity on Microelectrode Arrays"

Steven L. Stice^1,2 Anirban Majumder¹, Brad Culp¹, Anthony M. Nicolini³ and Colin Arrowood³

 Aruna Biomedical Inc. ¹, Regenerative Bioscience Center, Univ. of Georgia, Athens GA. ², Axion BioSystems, Atlanta, GA³

Abstract Number/Poster Board number: 279 Poster Board - 450

Presentation: March 23, 2015 from 9:00 to 12:00 CC Exhibit Hall

 “Bisphenol-A effects on in vitro Human Neural Development was Window of Susceptibility dependent"

Xian Wu^1,2, Anirban Majumder³, Steven L. Stice^1,2,3

¹Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, ²Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA  ³ArunA Biomedical, Inc. Athens, GA, USA  

Abstract Number/Poster Board number: 249 Poster Board - 415

Presentation: March 23, 2015 from 9:00 to 12:00 CC Exhibit Hall

“MR Imaging of Human Neural Progenitor Stem Cells: An In Vivo Longitudinal Model "

Forrest Goodfellow, Qingying Ming, Xian Wu, Erin Jordan, Qun Zhao, Steve Stice

Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602

Abstract Number/Poster Board number: 641 Poster Board -448

Presentation: March 23, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM CC Exhibit Hall 

"Using Human-Derived Neural Cells As an In Vitro Model for Developmental Neurotoxicity following Exposure to Pesticides"

Mary Smith^1,2 , Mayowa Amosu¹ , Xiaoming Bian¹ , Kun Lu¹ , Steven Stice^2,4 , William Henderson³ , Shelley Wallace⁴ Anirban Majumder⁴

¹Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States; ² Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States; ³ ORD/NERL/ERD, U.S. EPA, Athens, Georgia, United States; ⁴ ArunA Biomedical, Inc., Athens, Georgia, United States

Abstract Number/Poster Board number: 1747 Poster Board - 152

Presentation: March 23, 2015 from 9:00AM  to 12:00 PM 

More to follow...

Neurite Outgrowth Assays-96 Well Plates

Fast, Effective and Data Rich!

Our Customers' are reporting great results using our hN2 Primary Human Neurons. We are seeing a natural evolution for high content to high throughput screening. This is because our human neuron culturing kits are proving pure and potent (sample pubs).

Here's some customer data using hN2™ Human Neurons High Throughput Screening (HTS) Kit:

Image: Neurite Outgrowth Assay in 96 Well Plate using hN2 Neurons-Blue – Nuclear staining; Green – Neurite and cell body staining.

Want to learn more? Contact me directly at pshuster@neuromics.com or 612-801-1007. Thank you. Pete Shuster, CEO and Owner, Neuromics.

hN2 Primary Human Neurons and Toxicity Assays

Neuromics' hN2 Cells Continue to Shine

I previously posted our Human hN2 Neurons being used for studying the mechanisms of  Nerve Agent VX: hN2 Human Neurons for Toxicity Screening. The versatility of these neurons enabled the researchers to perform a microarray study in which cultured human neural cells were exposed to 0.1 or 10 μM of VX for 1 h. Global gene expression changes were analyzed 6, 24, and 72 h post exposure. Solid primary cell based assay results start with healthy and well behaving cells.

I am pleased to announce success in exposing the cells to a specific cytotoxicity inducing compound (small molecule): Mark RichardsChee Wee PhoonGwendoline Tze Wei GohEng Khuan SengXu Ming GuoCherine Mei Fong TanWoon-Khiong ChanJoel Mun Kin Lee. A New Class of Pluripotent Stem Cell Cytotoxic Small Molecules. Research Article | published 19 Mar 2014 | PLOS ONE 10.1371/journal.pone.0085039.

Image: Cytotoxic agent used in dose-response curve

Figure: Dose response curves for 3 specialized somatic cell lines (MRC-5, human primary neurons and human neonatal cardiomyocytes) treated with JC011.

This curve illustrates the sensitivity of human neurons to toxic agents. 

We plan on continuing to use these and our hNP1 Human Neural Progenitors in kinetic, "in vivo like" assays. These assays will give quantitative data on both growth and differentiation inducing agents as well as specifics on how the cells behave when exposed to toxic agents. I will be posting results here.

This data should be of interested to neuro-disease/disorders basic and drug discovery researchers. We plan on making the assays available to researchers. We currently also do small molecule testing and gene expression analysis studies a CRO offering. To learn more, I can be reached at pshuster@neuromics.com or 612-801-1007.

Autism, Inflammation and Stem Cell Enhancers

Proving the Therapeutic Value

We have been running Quantibody® Antibody Arrays on blood serum of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). All reside in areas of heavy industry in Central Europe. All have elevated levels of one or several heavy metals.

These assays are being run as part of our strategy of treating these children with natural stem cell enhancing supplements. Here are the average serum levels of 2 cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-alpha) and 1 related chemokine (CCL3). All of the children had elevated levels vs healthy controls:

Figure: Serum ASD levels vs Healthy Controls (pg/ml)

TNF-alpha and IL-6 promotes the immune/inflammatory response. These two cytokines are guided to sites (including the CNS) of infection or tissue damage by the chemokine CCL-3 and others. In the normal process, the site(s) of immune response are cleaned (the response) of infection and/or damaged tissue and then repaired. The key with autoimmune diseases and disorders, is that that this process becomes a continuous loop; hence, these cytokines and chemokines are elevated. If the loop is broken or down modulated, the the levels of these should decrease.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory. We plan on testing candidate substances (all our currently available as natural supplements) on kinetic assays using our umbilical cord blood human mesenchymal stem cells. These will enable us to quantify  cell growth and expansion. We also plan on testing the best candidates on our human neurons to see the effects on cell behavior.

We will then determine safe dosing working with experts in the U.S. and Europe. During treatment, we will again be testing serum to see if the levels of these and other key Cytokines, Chemokines and Growth Factors. This will give proof as to to whether or not the treatments are working. If so, we should see the serum levels of these move toward to those of healthy controls.

I plan on making more data as it becomes available.

Stem Cell Markers

Our Stem Cell Reagents our widely used and frequently published. We are proud of the positive feedback on our Stem Cell Markers.

Image: Tuj-1 staining of Neuron-specific class III β-tubulin in differentiated human neural progenitor cells. Cells were stained using goat anti-mouse Alexa Fluor 488 (green) secondary antibody (Molecular Probe, A-11001) and counterstained with PI (red).

Image: Neural progenitors were labeled with anti-rat Nestin polyclonal antibody (Cat#:GT15114) and stained with conjugated donkey anti-goat secondary anti-body (green). Differentiated neurons were labeled with neuron-specific mouse anti-β-III tubulin/ Tuj1-(Cat#MO15013 monoclonal antibody (red). Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue).

Tuj-1: Customer Publications and Data.

I will continue to post updates.

hN2 Human Neurons for Toxicity Screening

Our Human hN2 Neurons proving excellent platforms for Neurotoxicology Studies. I would like to share recent publication and that confirms the potential of these solutions for use in your toxicology assays.

Xiugong Gao, Hsiuling Lin, Radharaman Ray, Prabhati Ray. Toxicogenomic Studies of Human Neural Cells Following Exposure to Organophosphorus Chemical Warfare Nerve Agent VX. Neurochemical Research. February 2013.

Abstract: Organophosphorus (OP) compounds represent an important group of chemical warfare nerve agents that remains a significant and constant military and civilian threat. OP compounds are considered acting primarily via cholinergic pathways by binding irreversibly to acetylcholinesterase, an important regulator of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Many studies over the past years have suggested that other mechanisms of OP toxicity exist, which need to be unraveled by a comprehensive and systematic approach such as genome-wide gene expression analysis. Here we performed a microarray study in which cultured human neural cells were exposed to 0.1 or 10 μM of VX for 1 h. Global gene expression changes were analyzed 6, 24, and 72 h post exposure. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes has revealed many genes, networks and canonical pathways that are related to nervous system development and function, or to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In particular, the neuregulin pathway impacted by VX exposure has important implications in many nervous system diseases including schizophrenia. These results provide useful information valuable in developing suitable antidotes for more effective prevention and treatment of, as well as in developing biomarkers for, VX-induced chronic neurotoxicity.

Images: hN2 Neurons at 18, hrs, 72 hrs and 6 Days.

Image: hN2 cells grown in culture for 4 days and stained with our chicken polyclonal to Neurofilament light or low molecular weight chain NF-L, a marker of neurons. Many of the differentiating cells show strong cytoplasmic and clearly fibrillar staining for NF-L. Blue stain is DAPI and reveals cell nuclei of some non neuronal cells in this culture

I will continue to post updates on new applications of these potent, pure and easy to grow human neurons.

Increasing Returns in Drug Discovery

"Harnessing the Power of Cells"
 

Cell based assays presentation v1_03_2012 from Pete Shuster

This presentation provides an executive overview of how our Solutions can improve Drug Discovery processes.

Why Consider our Solutions?

Research proven solutions used by large Pharmas, Biotechs, Academic and Government Labs. 2500+ customers-Publications/Testimonials
Lower per well costs-we can aggressively discount cells and media
Customer success focused                                  
Expert technical support
Detailed protocols and methods
Quick replacements and reorders
Large expert resource network
Published expert input
Non confidential; customer feedback and data sharing through social media outlets and blogs

Primary Neuron Assays for Studying Neurodegeneration

Our goal is to provide our customers and collaborators the tools they need to insure success. This is defined by having the specific Primary Neurons, Growth Factor plus the Markers to meet unique research needs.

The proof is in the results. Here are some highlights.

Images/Data: FIGURE 5. Microglial p38α MAPK-dependent TNFα is involved in LPS-induced neurite degeneration. (A) Photomicrographs of MAP-2 immunocytochemistry show the morphology of neurons after 72h of co-culture with microglia. The arrow points to the appearance of neurites that have been damaged by LPS-activated WT microglia. In contrast, the arrowhead points to the morphological appearance of healthy, undamaged neurites. (B) Diagram of the Sholl method for quantifying the total number of healthy neurites that intersect the concentric circles. (C) Quantification of healthy neurites by the Sholl analysis demonstrates that LPS stimulation of p38α WT microglia in co-culture causes neurite degeneration as seen by a significant reduction in the number of intersections by healthy neurites in the LPS-stimulated group compared to the unstimulated group (white bars). This degeneration can be attenuated by the addition of a blocking antibody to TNFα (5μg/ml), while the non-immune IgG control was not protective (gray bars). Microglia from p38α KO mice stimulated with LPS (black bar) also have significantly less neurite degeneration than the LPS-stimulated p38α WT microglia (white bar). However, by adding TNFα back to the p38α KO microglia co-culture, there is a significant decrease in the healthy neurite arborization compared to the p38α KO microglia stimulated with LPS alone (black bars). (***p<0.005; Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test). Data represents 2 independent experiments. Scale bar equals 25μm. Molecular Neurodegeneration 2011, 6:84 doi:10.1186/1750-1326-6-84

hN2 cells grown in culture for 4 days and stained with our chicken polyclonal to Neurofilament light or low molecular weight chain NF-L, a marker of neurons. Many of the differentiating cells show strong cytoplasmic and clearly fibrillar staining for NF-L. Blue stain is DAPI and reveals cell nuclei of some non neuronal cells in this culture.

We will continue to post relevant images and data that demonstrate our capabilities.