Many tissues in the body are populated by a whole community of microorganisms.
The relationship between the different microorganism species as well as the interaction between the microorganisms and the tissues are strictly connected to the equilibrium of the natural ecosystem they constitute.
But how the microorganisms are involved in cell and tissue function and metabolism? And what could be the cell and tissue features involved in the microorganism colonization?
In the laboratories of Complife Group the knowledge and the competence of specialized researchers are mixed together in order to offer complete and optimized protocols to investigate the delicate and reciprocal exchange of signals and communication between host and guest.
From skin to mouth to gastrointestinal tract (to name a few), the specific microbiota forms with its guest a unique but also dynamic microbiome.
How can we understand the intricate interactions in the microbiome? And how can we interpret its change and its reaction to an external condition?
First of all by using a good biological model. It is not one and unique! It could be relatively easy to reproduce or it could be a very complex system. It necessary should be specific respect the features of the microbiome to investigate.
By this point of view, in vitro 3D Reconstructed Human models are an interesting, timely and cost-efficient tool. They offer many benefits for research application:
- Specific representation of the human tissues: a wide range of reconstructed model are now available; every model is specific for a in vivo tissue and offers tissue-related anatomic and functional features.
- Data interpretation: no need for cross-species extrapolation is required; it is possible to reproduce a microbiome combining human tissue models and tissue-related microorganism colonization. The results, considered in the general context of the in vitro models, are directly applicable to humans
- Environment modifications: with cytokines or growth factors, modification in the component of maintenance media, adaptation of pH and so on, the experimental system could be modified to simulate inflammation, disease and generally positive or negative environment alteration
A specific experimental system is made up of specific microorganism strains too: bacteria, fungi, yeasts naturally present in a body compartment or representative of an altered population.
The tissue colonization can be induced under artificial condition, by culturing a selection of microorganisms on the tissue, in standardized condition. On the other hand it is possible to inoculate a collection of microorganism picked up directly by subjects presenting a specific condition of interest in the study (especially considering the skin disorders).
All these parameters together with an ordered and well planned sequence of operations contributes to the construction of a predictive experimental model.
What are the end-points in the study of the host-guest interactions?
Different aspects in the interaction between tissue and microorganisms or among different species of microorganisms can be considered:
- Presence, growth and ratio among the species and the strains
- Activation of metabolic and biochemical pathway in the biological system
- Modulation of cell functions and adaptation mechanisms
- Induction, inhibition and control of inflammatory or oxidative status
- Activity against or pro- microorganism adhesion and colonization
- Any aspect of interest in your project
Contact Complife team and tell us your ideas. You will find experts prompt to suggest the better strategies, capable of transforming your objectives into a research-oriented protocol, scientifically robust and responsive to your marketing needs.
