Modeling Cystic Fibrosis Airway

Introduction

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a rare genetic disorder that impacts 70,000 people worldwide.1 It is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel on the apical surface of the epithelium, leading to aberrant ion transport and mucus buildup in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs.2 Impaired mucociliary clearance in the airway results in chronic infection, inflammation, tissue damage, and respiratory failure.

Innovative therapeutics have been developed using animal models and in vitro cultures to target specific mutations in the CFTR gene.2 Air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary human airway epithelial cells are well-adopted in the CF research field, although different research groups tend to prefer different media formulations.3,4,5 One of the media formulations containing Ultroser® G, a type of serum substitute, was found to be predictive of clinical outcomes for FDA-approved therapeutics.6,7 However, given that access to this proprietary component can be unreliable, CF researchers are testing alternative cell culture media that can generate physiologically relevant, electrophysiological readouts.8

Why Use PneumaCult™ for CF Research?

PneumaCult™ media products are serum- and bovine pituitary extract (BPE)-free, specifically designed for the robust expansion and ALI differentiation of primary human airway epithelial cells. A side-by-side comparison has been made between various expansion and ALI differentiation media from early to late passages using CF airway epithelial cells. Optimal culture morphology and electrophysiological characteristics are obtained using PneumaCult™-Ex Plus for expansion followed by PneumaCult™-ALI for differentiation, especially after extended passaging.

  • Physiologically relevant proportion of different cell types.
  • More cells at each passage.
  • Maintained morphological and electrophysiological
    characteristics, even after extended passaging.
  • Serum- and BPE-free to reduce lot-to-lot variability.

Figure 1. Growth and Morphology of CF HBECs During Expansion

Commercially-available, cryopreserved P2 CF human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were seeded into PneumaCult™-Ex Plus, PneumaCult™-Ex, or Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium. (A) Cells cultured in PneumaCult™-Ex Plus exhibit significantly higher proliferation rate over 8 passages compared to those maintained in either control medium (n = 3). Cell cultures using PneumaCult™-Ex or Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium were terminated at P5 due to declining differentiation potential. (B-D) Representative morphology of P4 CF HBECs expanded in (B) PneumaCult™-Ex Plus, (C) PneumaCult™-Ex, or (D) Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium.



PneumaCult™-ALI

Ultroser® G-Based Formulation

Figure 2. Representative Histological Cross Sections of ALI Cultures

P2 CF HBECs were expanded in PneumaCult™-Ex Plus, PneumaCult™-Ex, or Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium, followed by ALI differentiation at each passage in PneumaCult™-ALI or Ultroser® G-based medium. After 28 days of differentiation, the ALI cultures were fixed, paraffin-embedded, sectioned, and stained with H&E. All images were taken using a 40X objective. Insert membrane was 10 µm in thickness. Ultroser® G-based medium was made based on a published formulation.5



PneumaCult™-ALI

Ultroser® G-Based Formulation

Figure 3. Representative Confocal Images of Whole Mount Immunostained ALI Cultures

P2 CF HBECs were expanded in PneumaCult™-Ex Plus, PneumaCult™-Ex, or Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium, followed by ALI differentiation at each passage in PneumaCult™-ALI or Ultroser® G-based medium. After 28 days of differentiation, the ALI cultures were fixed and stained with antibodies for ciliated cells (AC-tubulin; green), Zo-1 (cell junction; red), and goblet cells (Muc5AC; white). The nuclei were counterstained with DAPI (blue). All images were taken using a 63X objective. Ultroser® G-based medium was made based on a published formulation.5



PneumaCult™-ALI

Ultroser® G Based Formulation

Figure 4. Representative Electrophysiological Characterization of ALI Cultures

P2 CF HBECs were expanded in PneumaCult™-Ex Plus, PneumaCult™-Ex, or Bronchial Epithelial Growth Medium, followed by ALI differentiation at each passage in PneumaCult™-ALI or Ultroser® G-based medium. After 28 days of differentiation, the ALI cultures were treated with either VX-809 or DMSO vehicle for 24 hours followed by Ussing Chamber assay. A: Amiloride, ENaC inhibitor. B: IBMX and Forskolin, CFTR activators. C: Genistein, CFTR potentiator. D: CFTRinh-172, CFTR inhibitor. E, UTP, Calcium activated chloride channels (CaCCs) activator. Ultroser® G-based medium was made based on a published formulation.5

Product Information

DESCRIPTION
CATALOG #
Costar® 12mm Transwell®,
0.4 μm Pore Polyester Membrane Inserts
38023 for the 12-well format
Costar® 6.5mm Transwell®,
0.4 μm Pore Polyester Membrane Inserts
38024 for the 24-well format