The invention relates to culturing motor neuron cells together with skeletal muscle cells in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the interaction of these cells mimic the structure and function of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) providing a NMJ-on-chip. Good viability, formation of myo-fibers and function of skeletal muscle cells on fluidic chips allow for measurements of muscle cell contractions. Embodiments of motor neurons co-cultures with contractile myo-fibers are contemplated for use with modeling diseases affecting NMJ's, e.g. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Provided herein is an in vitro model of the blood brain barrier. In some embodiments, the model includes: an endothelial cell layer, and brain tissue layer comprising neuronal cells, and optionally one or more of astrocytes, pericytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In some embodiments, the model further comprises a porous membrane between said endothelial cell layer and the neuronal cell layer. A microfluidic device comprising the same and methods of use thereof are also provided.

In various aspects and embodiments, the present invention provides methods for preparing innervated tissue. In various embodiments the invention further provides innervated tissue generated using the methods described herein. In various embodiments the inclusion of optogenetically transducible TENGs or Micro-TENNs in the innervated tissue allows the modulation of tissue or organs by using light to stimulate the optogenetically transducible TENGs or Micro-TENNs.

The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.

The present invention relates to the field of in vitro 3D modeling of neural tissues, particularly of the brain. There is the need of developing cell culture models of neural tissue that reflect physiological aspects of neural tissue. The present invention provides methods of producing bioengineered neuronal organoids (BENOs) which form functional neuronal networks. The present invention also relates to uses and applications of the produced BENOs, e.g., in the fields of drug screening and personalized medicine.

The present invention relates to methods for preparing in vitro models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Disclosed is a method of promoting neuronal growth by administering IGFBPL-1, or an agent that increases or stabilizes IGFBPL-1 activity to a subject in need thereof, e.g., a subject in need of treating optic nerve degeneration.

A method of in vitro cellular assay includes measuring an electrical activity of at least two cell populations in a plurality of cell populations that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other and connected to each other via a neurite, in which at least one of the at least two cell populations for which the electrical activity is measured is a cell population including at least one kind of neural cell, and the at least two cell populations each exhibit different electrical activity properties at a point when the electrical activity is measured.

The present invention relates to methods for regenerating nervous system tissue or treating a neurological disorder by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of synthetic tissue containing a cell population of one or more nervous system cell types (e.g., neurons) or multipotent cells (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells), where the cell population is embedded within a modular synthetic hydrogel that is biocompatible. In some preferred embodiments the modular synthetic hydrogel includes a PEG hydrogel crosslinked with a glycosaminoglycan such as hyaluronan.

Systems and methods for producing and using a body having a first structure defining a first chamber, a second structure defining a second chamber, a membrane located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber to separate the first chamber from the second chamber. The first chamber comprises a first permeable matrix disposed therein and the first permeable matrix comprises at least one or a plurality of lumens each extending therethrough, which is optionally lined with at least one layer of cells. The second chamber can comprise cells cultured therein. The systems and methods described herein can be used for various applications, including, e.g., growth and/or differentiation of primary cells, and/or simulation of a microenvironment in living tissues and/or organs (to model physiology or disease states, and/or to identify therapeutic agents). The systems and methods can also permit co-cultures of two or more different cell types.