Reconstruction of sympathetic neuron-vascular interactions in vitro and its applications

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K12887
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Biomedical engineering/Biomaterial science and engineering
• Research Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Takayama Yuzo 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, 生命工学領域, 主任研究員 (60608438)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: ヒトiPS細胞 / 自律神経 / 血管 / 微細加工 / 生物・生体工学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to construct an in vitro model of vasoconstriction system by co-culturing neurons in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) with smooth muscle cells (HPA-SMC). In order to confirm the function of HPA-SMC, we performed calcium imaging with application of noradrenaline, and confirmed its response capability. Then, we carried out co-culture of neurons in the ANS and HPA-SMC to examine the effects of ANS signals to vasoconstriction system. The influence of ANS signals on the cytoskeleton is currently being analyzed. As described above, we believe that the co-culture system will be a useful in vitro model for evaluating the ANS effect on the vasoconstrictor system.

Free Research Field

細胞工学、神経工学