April 2024

3Rs aims to reduce, refine and replace the use of animals in research. Matrigel and similar basement membrane extracts are widely used in cell culture as an extracellular scaffold support and also provide key matrix proteins. The sacrifice of mice to generate Matrigel is one of the biggest single uses of animals in research. A new method to culture mammary epithelial cell (MEC) organoids shows that Matrigel use can be dramatically reduced or even (at a cost) eliminated.

Within our bodies, microbes have developed an essential, commensal role and are found in many niches. A comprehensive study, recently published in Cell, provides a fascinating insight into the role of microbes in cancer and how they can modulate prognosis and responses to treatment.

3D cell culture has emerged as a pivotal technique for mimicking the natural environment of cells. This method offers a more physiologically relevant context compared to traditional 2D cultures, better enabling the study of cell behavior, drug responses, and disease mechanisms. In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of various hydrogels used in 3D cell culture and highlight the unique benefits of using PeptiGel.

For proteins, size does matter. The size of proteins is related to their function. Most of the really big proteins are found in muscles. Muscle cells are specialized for contraction and force generation, processes that rely on the precise organization and interaction of several large protein complexes.

Over the last 25 years, the survival statistics for cancer patients have improved. Changes in lifestyle (e.g. smoking), earlier detection and better therapies have all contributed. Here, we look at which cancers have the best, worst and most improved survival rates.