Cell Guidance Systems Blog

Organoids for disease modelling

Organoids for disease modelling

There has been an increasing move towards the use of 3D cell culture as a means of functional differentiation in recent years. Although 2D cell cultures have been useful in a lot of ways, research has shown that they can differ significantly from in vivo conditions making it difficult to replicate the findings in a clinical setting. This, along with the failure rate and relatively high cost of drug development, has meant there is now an urgent need to find more predictive research models across all fields.

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A beginners guide to ADME Tox

A beginners guide to ADME Tox

Understanding the way a drug interacts with our body, and the risks that this poses, is a critical part of drug development. In this article, we describe the basic aspects of ADME Tox, with specific examples.

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Overcoming barriers to cancer protein drug delivery

Overcoming barriers to cancer protein drug delivery

The delivery of protein drugs to metastatic tumors is fraught with obstacles that limit their efficacy. This article explores the barriers to the delivery of protein drugs to metastatic cancer and discusses strategies to overcome these challenges.

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The Right Stiff: scaffolds for 3D cell culture

The Right Stiff: scaffolds for 3D cell culture

Scaffolds have an important role to play in tissue engineering, as they are a substrate that can be used to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM). The properties of scaffolds have also been shown to affect cell behaviour such as cell attachment, differentiation and proliferation.

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Harnessing Macrophages to treat disease

Harnessing Macrophages to treat disease

These versatile cells, known for their multiple roles in engulfing and digesting cellular debris, pathogens, and attacking cancer cells as well as rebuilding damaged tissue, are at the center of a new wave of treatments. Companies around the world are exploiting the unique properties of macrophages to develop groundbreaking therapies for a wide range of diseases.

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Harnessing Phagocytic Immune Cells to Breach Cancer Fortifications

Harnessing Phagocytic Immune Cells to Breach Cancer Fortifications

One of the most significant hurdles in combating metastatic cancer is the delivery of protein drugs to the affected sites. The cancer cells fortify themselves behind endothelial barriers and extracellular matrix, making it difficult for therapeutic agents to reach and destroy them. Employing phagocytic immune cells as Trojan horses to overcome these barriers has immense potential.

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Functionalized hydrogels: better in vivo mimicry

Functionalized hydrogels: better in vivo mimicry

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a vital component for the growth and function of any cell. It typically contains a mix of fibrous and non-fibrous proteins such as collagen, laminin and fibronectin, proteoglycans, growth factors and signalling molecules that provide both structural and biochemical support for cells.

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The abscopal effect: unexpected cancer therapeutic dividends

The abscopal effect: unexpected cancer therapeutic dividends

Cancer treatment has long been a battlefield of precision, targeting tumors with treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, a rare and fascinating phenomenon known as the abscopal effect has intrigued oncologists and researchers, offering a glimpse into the hidden power of the body to fight cancer beyond the direct line of treatment.

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