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3D cell model offers new approach to spinal cord injury research

Open University researchers have developed a three-dimensional (3D) model of human tissue that could one day help us to treat spinal cord injuries.

The 3D cell culture system mimics the way injured and non-injured cells interact following damage to the spinal cord. 

Reactive astrocytes
Scientists hope to discover why certain cells called astrocytes (pictured), which are normally beneficial, change their behaviour and prevent repair to spinal cord nerves.

The research is led by Open University lecturer in health sciences, Dr James Phillips.

A research paper entitled Engineering an integrated cellular interface in 3-dimensional hydrogel cultures permits monitoring of reciprocal astrocyte and neuronal responses on the OU's research database and is available online and will be published in the journal Tissue Engineering in August.

Further information

Media release

 

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TweetOpen University researchers have developed a three-dimensional (3D) model of human tissue that could one day help us to treat spinal cord injuries. The 3D cell culture system mimics the way injured and non-injured cells interact following damage to the spinal cord.  Scientists hope to discover why certain cells called astrocytes (pictured), which are normally ...

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