
Experts talks: in vitro cellular models to shape the future of biomedical research
Expert talks: In Vitro Cellular Models to Shape the Future of Biomedical Research
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New Alternative Models (NAMs) for research, which include in vitro cellular models, are destined to transform the future of biomedical research. Regulatory agencies implement laws concerning animal use based on the 3R Principle, which stands for Reduction, Replacement, and Refinement.
As precise in vitro cellular models become more advanced, regulatory bodies are shifting their perspective, no longer seeing animal testing as the essential benchmark for studying disease mechanisms and verifying the safety and effectiveness of drugs.
In today’s interview, we have the pleasure of chatting with Jordi Xapelli, CEO at BeCytes Biotechnologies, about this exciting topic. Don’t miss it!
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What are In Vitro Cellular Models?
In vitro cellular models are experimental systems that use cells isolated from animal or human tissues to study biological processes in a controlled environment. These models are grown outside the body, often in petri dishes or flasks, and can be manipulated in ways that would be impossible in a living organism.
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Why are In Vitro Models Important in Biomedical Research?
They are crucial in biomedical research because they allow us to understand better how cells and tissues function at a molecular level and how they react to different stimuli, such as drugs or toxins. This understanding is fundamental to the development of new treatments and therapies.
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What Advantages do In Vitro Models Offer Compared to In Vivo Models?
In vitro models offer several advantages over in vivo models, which involve studying biological processes in living organisms:
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- They allow greater control of experimental conditions, such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability, which can be precisely adjusted to study their effects on cellular behavior.
- They facilitate the study of specific cellular processes in isolation, without the complexity and variability of a living organism. This can make the results easier to interpret.
- In vitro models reduce the need to use animals in research, an important ethical consideration.
- They also allow for high-throughput screening, accelerating the discovery of new drugs.
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How are In Vitro Cellular Models used in Liver Research?
In vitro liver cellular models are key for studying liver physiology and pathology. They are used to investigate how liver cells metabolize drugs and other substances, how they respond to injury and infection, and how liver diseases develop and progress. For example, researchers can use in vitro models to study the effects of alcohol or fatty acids on liver cells, which can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, in vitro liver models can be used to test the toxicity and efficacy of new drugs before they are tested in animals or humans.
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What are Some of the Challenges in Using In Vitro Cellular Models?
One of the main limitations has been that cells in culture may behave differently than in their natural environment. While in vitro models cannot fully replicate the complexity of a living organism, the field is making significant strides in overcoming these challenges.
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How is the Field Evolving to Overcome these Challenges and Shape the Future of Biomedical Research?
Advancements in technology are enabling us to create more sophisticated and physiologically relevant models. For instance, 3D cell culture techniques allow us to more accurately mimic tissues’ architecture and functionality. Organ-on-a-chip technologies are also emerging as promising approaches to replicate the cellular interactions and microenvironments in the body.
Moreover, there’s a growing emphasis on using primary cells, which are cells taken directly from living tissues. These cells retain many of the physiological properties of their tissue of origin, making them a valuable tool for studying disease mechanisms and drug responses in a context more representative of the in vivo situation.
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While challenges remain, the field of in vitro modeling is evolving rapidly. These models are becoming increasingly representative of biological reality, fueling optimism about their potential to contribute to developing new treatments and therapies.
At BeCytes, we are part of the engine of change. We aim to accelerate your research and become a fundamental partner in creating reliable in vitro cellular models. We are experts in providing primary human hepatic cells and all kinds of tissues.
The future of in vitro cellular models in biomedical research is promising, and we expect to see even more innovative and accurate models in the coming years. Let’s partner!