Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has the potential to transform the fields of drug discovery and cell therapy by providing a reliable source of human cells for research and therapeutic purposes. iPSCs can be differentiated into a wide range of cell types, allowing researchers to study disease mechanisms and test potential drug candidates in a more physiologically relevant context. In addition, iPSCs can be used to generate organ-specific cells for use in cell therapies, which have the potential to treat a variety of diseases
Application of iPSC
iPSCs are generated by reprogramming somatic cells, such as skin or blood cells, to an embryonic-like state through the forced expression of specific transcription factors. iPSCs have the capacity to differentiate into any cell type of the body, allowing for the creation of patient/organ-specific cells that can be used to study disease mechanisms and develop new therapies.
iPSC-derived cells can be used to create disease models by restoring disease phenotypes, either from patient samples or by CRISPR editing. Researchers can generate iPSCs from patients with specific genetic mutations or disease phenotypes, and differentiate these cells into relevant cell types such as cardiomyocytes, neurons, or liver cells. These cells are then used to study disease mechanisms, screen large libraries of compounds or drugs, and identify potential therapeutics that can restore normal function or alleviate disease symptoms.
Available Disease Models in LumiSTAR
Cardiac Disease Models
Neurodegenerative Disease Models: Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases
Application of iPSC
Cell Therapy
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be used in cell therapy to treat various diseases or injuries by differentiating them into functional cells that can replace or repair damaged cells or tissues, addressing unmet medical needs such as neurodegenerative disorders, spinal cord injuries, and kidney diseases (such as chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury).
LumiSTAR’s Pipelines
Parkinson’s Disease
Kidney Disease
Cancer
Pain Points on Developing Applications of iPSC Technology
Cell Maturity
Differentiated cells must reach a certain level of maturity to best reflect disease phenotype and be suitable for translation to cell therapy
High Throughput Screening
Advanced technologies are essential for efficient screening of iPSC-derived cells to gain more information on cellular functionality and drug response.
OUR Solution
Integrating iPSCs with Live-Cell Bioimaging
LumiSTAR developed real-time detection technology (LumiRDT) based on genetically encoded tools, by which enables high-throughput screening of cellular functions for drug discovery and quality control of iPSC cell therapy.
By visualizing and quantifying changes in cellular morphology, activities, and other cellular features, LumiSTAR’s bio imaging platform can provide valuable insights into how drugs affect cells at the cellular level. In addition to drug discovery, bio imaging is also crucial for quality control in cell therapy. The success of iPS cell therapies relies on the maturation states of the cells to perform their intended functions in vivo. LumiSTAR’s platform can be used to evaluate the quality and functionality of cells prior to their use in therapy. By assessing key cellular parameters mentioned above, LumiSTAR’s system can help ensure the safety and efficacy of cell therapies.
Advantages of LumiRDT (LumiSTAR Real-time Detection Technology)
Non-toxic to cells
Allowing for long-term observations
Can be used in both 2D and 3D cell cultures
Single cell detection is achievable
Fluorescence imaging with a wide spectrum is available
Advantages of LumiSTAR’s Imaging Platform
Get instant response in real time for analysis
Enable timely correction of developed protocols in cell differentiations, contributing to > 200 times faster in pipeline development
How
Triple Core Technology
LumiSTAR’s triple core technology platform represents a sophisticated combination of iPSCs, viral vectors, and genetically encoded tools that enable high throughput/content screening for developing novel therapeutics
Differentiated cells for drug discovery and therapeutics
Allowing for real-time bioimaging on cellular dynamics for high-content and high-throughput screening
Installing genetically encoded tools inside cells, allowing for labeling, measurement, and therapeutic purposes
Demonstration of Our Platform
High-Throughput Optical Controlling and Recording Calcium Signal in iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes for Toxicity Testing and Phenotypic Drug Screening
Chang, Y. F., Su, W. C., Su, C. C., Chung, M. W., Chang, J., Li, Y. Y., Kao, Y. J., Chen, W. P., Daniels, M. J. J. Vis. Exp. (181), e63175, doi:10.3791/63175 (2022).
