Journal of Transmitted Diseases and Immunity

Generating a 3D human thyroid model in vitro

Joint Event on 22^nd Edition of International Conference on Immunology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases & 12^th Edition of International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
May 10-11, 2018 Frankfurt, Germany

Ozlem Vural

Technical University of Berlin, Germany

ScientificTracks Abstracts: J Transm Dis Immun

DOI: 10.21767/2573-0320-C2-005

Abstract

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role during embryonic development and organogenesis. It further controls the metabolism of various adult organs. Mechanisms that drive thyroid morphogenesis have not been fully elucidated. The interfollicular extra cellular matrix supports the interaction of the functional units, the thyroid follicles, where thyroid hormone (T3 & T4) biosynthesis takes place. The development of 3D structures in vivo requires cell-cell interactions and crosstalk. Thus, we are aiming an imitation of cellular crosstalk in order to acquire functional organoids by culturing primary human thyrocytes in a 3D environment in vitro. Isolated human primary thyrocytes are expanded in monolayer culture and cells are seeded in ultra-low attachment plates to allow aggregation and cellular interaction. Within two weeks of in vitro culture, primary human thyrospheres restore their transcriptional status similar to the native thyroid. Based on the multi-organ-chip technology, developed by tissue GmbH, the interaction between selected organs can be mimicked. Due to the major impact of thyroid hormone on the metabolism, we want to investigate the interaction and influence between thyroid and organs such as liver or cardiac tissue by emulating the endocrine impact. Furthermore, based on our thyroid model, possible endocrine disruptors can be identified using our in vitro test system.

Biography

Özlem Vural studied Biotechnology at Technical University of Berlin. After working as a student assistant on in vitro chondrogenesis in the Group of Prof. Dr. Roland Lauster, she started her PhD studies focusing on the generation of a human 3D thyroid model for substance testing. Her research interests include “Human organ models, tissue engineering and thyroid”.

Email:oezlem.vural@tu-berlin.de