Expand Your Research Horizons with ScienCell's Diverse Dermal Fibroblasts!

Dermal fibroblasts, derived from the embryonic mesoderm are fundamental components of the skin's dermis layer. Their versatility and ease of culture make them extensively used in cellular and molecular studies. Due to their durability, they are also suitable for a variety of manipulations, such as gene transfection and microinjection.

Key Insights: 

• Extracellular Matrix Producers: Fibroblasts are known to secrete a non-rigid extracellular matrix (ECM) that is rich in type I and/or type III collagen.
• Organ-Specific Differences: While sharing common traits, evidence suggests that fibroblasts from different organs are intrinsically different.
• Central to Wound Healing: A critical function of dermal fibroblasts is their involvement in wound healing. During this process, they demonstrate plasticity, transitioning from a proliferative, migratory state to a contractile, matrix-remodeling state. This plasticity is considered

The fourth Tuesday in March is #AmericanDiabetesAlertDay. Today, we highlight this global health concern and emerging standards of care for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and how #primarycellmodels might support the ongoing research to combat these diseases.

Though characterized by dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells and hyperglycemia, #diabetes is a multisystem #metabolicdisorder affecting the adipose tissue, cardiovascular system, liver, and reproductive systems. [1] The strong correlation between obesity and type 2 diabetes has led to the rise of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) agonists approved first for type 2 diabetes treatment, and now for obesity treatment. [2] The most widely used #GLP-1 medications, #dulaglutide, #semaglutide, and #tirzepatide, have proven to reduce HbA1c levels and obesity. Beyond improvements in glucose control and weight management, GLP-1Ras have shown evidence-based reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (#MACE), heart failure,

This kit is a valuable tool for researchers studying the monkeypox virus, and we are proud to offer it to the scientific community.

What is the Monkeypox Virus?

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic virus that can infect both humans and animals. It belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.

The virus has two distinct genetic clades: the Central African clade and the West African clade. The Central African clade is considered more transmissible and causes more severe disease.

What is the ScienCell's Monkeypox Virus Detection Kit (MPXVD, #RU7178) Kit?

The MPXVD kit is designed to detect the presence of the monkeypox virus in various sample types, including dry swabs, wet swabs, cell lysates, body fluids, and other biological specimens. The kit includes all the necessary components for DNA extraction, qPCR amplification, and result interpretation, making it a comprehensive solution for monkeypox virus detection.

Key Features of the MPXVD Kit:

• Detects Both Clades: The kit

The ocular lens is a transparent structure in the eye that is designed to refract and focus light onto the retina. The lens is an avascular unit which includes the lens capsule, lens epithelium, and lens fibers. Lens fiber cells form the bulk of the lens and a monolayer of epithelial cells cover the anterior surface of the fibers. Lens epithelial cells perform a number of critical functions in the lens including the growth and development of the lens, fluid transport, protecting the lens from environmental and oxidative stress, and maintaining the homeostasis of the lens. Lens epithelial cells are also critical for metabolic activity in the ocular lens, and this activity can be affected by epithelial cell differentiation. During development, lens epithelial cells migrate from the equatorial region to the interior to produce transparent crystallins and develop into lens fiber cells. The crystallins help to maintain the transparency of the lens, but during aging are modified or degraded resulting

Telomere “caps” are located at the ends of all chromosomes, including those of the immune system’s T-lymphocytes (T cells), and become shorter with every cell division. Once these chromosomes reach a point where the telomere is too short to provide adequate protection, division ceases and the cell proceeds to senescence. The loss of immune cells to this process negatively impacts the functionality of the immune system, leading to chronic health conditions and/or cancerous diseases. This process is one of the primary factors related to aging, and current dogma suggests that the only way to counteract telomere shortening is through the DNA synthesizing enzyme telomerase. However, an exciting new study published in Nature Cell Biology has identified a previously unknown mechanism of combating telomere aging.

In the paper, titled “An intercellular transfer of telomeres rescues T cells from senescence and promotes long-term immunological memory”, Lanna et al. found that during T cell immune

Isolation of high-quality nucleic acids from biological material is a key factor in successful molecular biology research. While approaches vary, most methods aim to do the following: (1) disrupt the cellular structure, (2) denature and inactivate other macromolecules (e.g., proteins, enzymes, etc.), and (3) separate nucleic acids from cell debris and any contaminants.  Some common approaches include organic extraction (e.g., phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol method), differential precipitation (e.g., “salting out” method), and solid-phase extraction, which is the most widely used method today.  Solid-phase extraction utilizes the selective binding of nucleic acids to an ion-exchange matrix, silica-based membrane, magnetic silica particles or other chemistries using appropriate buffer conditions.

Considering time and cost, the silica-based membrane is, by far, the most suitable means for small-scale nucleic acid purification. It selectively binds DNA or RNA at different hydrophobic

Microglia play an essential role in brain homeostasis, neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain infections. Microglia are integral components of the neuro-glial cell network and are the resident immune cells of the brain. Recent studies indicate that microglia are derived from the yolk sac and can self-renew. Microglia are distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) to perform brain immune surveillance. Microglia are also the first to respond to injury or infection in the brain and are important for development of the adult brain.

Under homeostatic conditions, the population of microglia is strictly regulated. As microglia are critical cells for the CNS, they perform a diverse array of functions such as scavenging, phagocytic debris removal, antigen presentation, synaptic organization, extracellular signaling and promoting repair. Upon activation, they act as brain macrophages to clear cellular debris, damaged cells, or microbes when programmed cell death occurs

Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSEC) are fascinating cells that are uniquely adapted to their location in the liver. HSEC are found lining micro-vessels in the liver and are extremely specialized endothelial cells. Structurally and functionally they have distinctive features which include: open pores known as fenestra which form sieve plates, a lack of an organized basement membrane, expression of scavenger receptors, and performing endocytic activity. Notably, HSEC are highly permeable and play a critical role in removing bloodborne waste. To perform the endocytic function, HSEC express a vast array of scavenger receptors as well as the mannose receptor, which allows them to collect molecules from the bloodstream and transport them to the hepatocytes.  

HSEC also play a pivotal role in the innate immunity by their ability to bind viruses and other pathogens through their endocytic receptors. By way of the portal vein, the liver is continuously being exposed to antigens and microbes

SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh known coronavirus that causes the human disease known as COVID-19. The virus can grow in cells lining the conducting airways and in alveolar epithelial cells. First, the virus generally enters the body through the nose or mouth. From there, the virus travels down into the alveoli which are located in the lungs. Once in the alveoli, the virus “hijacks” cells to make new copies of the virus. The infected cell is then killed, releasing new viruses to infect neighboring cells in the alveolus. Each sac of air, or alveolus, is wrapped with capillaries where red blood cells release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and pick up oxygen (O₂). Two alveolar epithelial cells (type I and II) facilitate gas exchange. Type I cells are squamous alveolar cells with thin membranes that perform gas exchange. Type II cells are known as progenitor cells in the alveoli and proliferate and differentiate into type I cells. In addition, Type II cells secrete the pulmonary surfactant that lines

Epithelial cells are the most numerous cells in the lungs and contribute to innate and adaptive immunity. Airway epithelial cells are located in the lower respiratory tract which includes the trachea, bronchi, small airways (bronchioles), and alveoli. Due to their location, airway epithelial cells are constantly exposed to microbes, particles, and pollutants and are essentially the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Airway epithelium acts as a physical barrier and either directly remove pathogens or interact with immune cells which initiate the clearance of pathogens. Epithelial cells also play an important role in reducing inflammation and maintaining homeostasis in the lungs. During an infection, epithelial cell dysfunction can contribute to the development of inflammation of the airways and lungs. Additionally, patients with chronic pulmonary disease are more susceptible to respiratory infections due to defects in epithelial barrier structure and function.

As of April 10, 2020, the number of U.S. SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus cases surpassed 500,000 with a death toll near 19,000. For over a century, coronaviruses were thought to only cause mild illnesses such as the common cold. With the ou or over a century, coronaviruses were thought to only cause mild illnesses such as the common cold. With the outbreak of the 2002-03 SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) that was caused by SARS-CoV coronavirus, this concept was rapidly overturned, and as a result coronavirus research has geared up for the fast lane.

Coronaviruses are a family of large, single-stranded RNA viruses with size ranging from 26 to 32 kb. Like other viruses, coronaviruses proliferate by invading cells, manipulating the cells into making many copies of the virus, and infecting more cells. As an RNA virus, the coronavirus lacks error-repairing mechanisms during replication, and therefore, has a relatively high mutation rate resulting in rapid evolution.

At the 3′-end of the viral

Migraines and headaches can be extremely debilitating with a diverse set of triggers and symptoms. Although the pathophysiology for headaches is still unclear, evidence suggests that factors such as neurogenic inflammation and meningeal sensory innervation play important roles in the development of migraines. The dura mater, the outermost layer of meninges, is responsible for the pain sensation felt during headaches and migraines. The dura mater is composed of two layers known as the periosteal and meningeal layer and they function as a scaffold to drain blood and cerebrospinal fluid from the brain.

Cells of the dura mater, such as mast cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, and microvascular endothelial cells contribute in varying degrees to headache pathophysiology, but also provide critical normal functions. Dural fibroblasts (DuF), for instance, in the healthy brain produce extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. Dural endothelial cells regulate blood vessel function

Traditional 2D cultures have been used widely over the past decades to study cell biology, molecular biology and conduct translation research such as drug discovery. Cells in 2D culture, however, are forced to adopt a planar morphology and maintain cellular interactions only in lateral directions, altering gene transcription, protein translation, and functional phenotypes. As a result, there is a shift towards using 3D in vitro models in the last several years as cell morphology and physiology more closely represent cells in vivo.

There are 2 main types of 3D culture systems known as scaffold-based and scaffold-free. In Table 1 below, the advantages and disadvantages of the different 3D cell culture techniques are listed to help researchers determine the most appropriate 3D culture method for their research.

Table 1: Advantages and Disadvantages of Different 3D Cell Culture Techniques.

Due to their novelties and complexities, 3D cell culture technologies may be daunting to some researchers.

Hepatic stellate cells have recently gained a great deal of attention regarding their contribution to the progression of diseases such as liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatocellular carcinoma. They are mesenchymal cells that are located between sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes in the space of Disse or perisinusoidal space and represent about 5-10% of cells in the liver. Hepatic stellate cells play a critical role in liver homeostasis and perform a diverse set of functions, some of which are poorly understood. In a normal healthy liver, stellate cells are quiescent and store vitamin A droplets.  Additionally, stellate cells are involved in vasoregulation, monitoring extracellular matrix deposition, and the production of factors that stimulate hepatocyte regeneration.

In response to liver damage, stellate cells receive signals from hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, and immune cells to activate.  Once given the signal to activate,

ScienCell’s wide assortment of cell culture media is in liquid form and includes Specialty, Classical & Supplement varieties. Each product is designed for optimal nutrition and growth of primary cells. ScienCell’s cell culture media is manufactured and tested to ensure a high standard of quality and consistency.

Each specialty medium is paired with cell-specific growth supplements for optimal growth and survival. Complete media kits include basal media, growth supplement, penicillin/streptomycin and fetal bovine serum (if applicable).

qPCR is a powerful tool for quantification of gene expression levels and copy number variation. Despite the advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS), qPCR still serves as the "gold standard" for gene expression analysis. Due to poor reproducibility and vast lab-to-lab variation, all NGS data requires qPCR validation. However, as essential as qPCR is, qPCR loading can be challenging. 

Why is qPCR loading difficult? First, qPCR is typically performed using 96- or 384-well plates. The replicon template, primers and master mix (consisting of polymerase, buffer and dNTPs) must be properly loaded to individual wells. The sample loading step can be challenging because of the large number of wells and it is extremely easy to introduce errors when loading. Second, when quantifying low copy number genes, white qPCR plates are preferred over transparent ones, as several studies have shown that white plates can offer better qPCR sensitivity. The opacity of a plate can affect qPCR sensitivity because

Cell-based assays are widely used in basic and translational research as cost-effective and accessible models to mimic in vivo responses. To obtain reliable data, assessing the health of cultured cells prior to any assays is highly recommended. Furthermore, many cell-based assays require quantification of cell growth. Cell health and growth can be determined by quantifying cell viability, proliferation, or apoptosis.

Below, we compare some commonly used assays to help you determine which type is suitable for your experimental design.

• Cell viability assays enumerate the ratio of live and dead cells in a population. Cell viability can simply be achieved by staining and counting live or dead cells.  A deeper assessment of cell health can be attained by measuring cell metabolic activity, such as the ability to reduce tetrazolium salts in MTT and WST-1 assays.
• Cell proliferation assays assess dividing cells. Some common assays include BrdU incorporation (BrdU Assays) that can directly

When working with primary cells, it is important to remember that they are not cell lines and should be treated with care. At ScienCell, we specialize in primary cell culture and we are very familiar with the common problems researchers encounter when culturing them. We have compiled a list with 13 of the most common problems that researchers encounter when culturing primary cells.

Mistake #1: Being unfamiliar with the primary cell types being cultured.

Correction #1: It is very important to know the morphology of primary cells and to be aware of the morphology of potential contaminating cells.

Mistake #2: Primary cells are 100% pure.

Correction #2: Primary cells are rarely 100% pure so it is essential to pay close attention to cell morphology and to not allow cells to overgrow.

Mistake #3: Thawing a vial of primary cells in a water bath for longer than necessary.

Neuronal cell lines are commonly used for in vitro neurobiology studies because they are more easily transfected compared to primary neurons and they proliferate, whereas primary neurons do not. Neuronal cell lines can be induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells, where they express neuronal markers and elaborate processes resembling axons and dendrites. While using these cells may be cost-effective, the results may not be representative of primary neurons.

As with other cell lines, neuronal cell lines are not equivalent to primary cells. By the time the cells are used in experiments, they have likely undergone numerous replications, which can result in mutations and genetic drift. Immortalized cells or those derived from tumors differ biologically from normal, differentiated neurons derived from the nervous system. Indeed, numerous studies have found large differences between neuronal lines and primary neurons. For example, a study found that PC12 cells, a neuronal line derived from