Ready-to-use 3D Human Ovarian Fibroblast Spheroids

The ovary is one of the most important female reproductive organs in mammalian species. Stromal cells make up 80% of the total cell population in the ovary, with one of the major stromal cells being ovarian fibroblasts. Hormone signaling from neighboring cancer cells can induce activation of normal fibroblasts, transitioning them into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Increasing evidence is showing the significance of CAF in the tumor microenvironment and the progression of cancer. Aberrant proliferation of ovarian fibroblasts and the accumulation of extracellular matrix can also cause ovarian fibrosis and severely impacts ovarian function. To better understand the contribution of human ovarian fibroblasts (HOF) in these pathophysiological conditions, in vitro models to study HOF is necessary. The conventional method of studying fibroblasts in 2D culture is limited in the ability to mimic their native in-vivo state due to the lack of extracellular matrix.

To provide an in vitro model that better reflects HOF function physiologically, ScienCell has developed ready-to-use human ovarian fibroblast spheroids (SP-HOFS) comprised of primary HOF. These cells are cultured in three-dimensional (3D) architecture and are embedded in their own ECM, which better reflects the native ovarian tissue architecture. These spheroids are ready for experiments within 24-48 hours of thawing, and are an excellent in vitro model for studying HOF function and its contribution to diseases such as ovarian cancer and ovarian fibrosis.