NPC Differentiation applications can be vast, and could revolutionize treatment of neurological diseases – but why outsource it?

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are a type of multipotent, adult stem cell that possess the ability to differentiate into neural cells. NPCs differentiate into the glial and neural cell types that populate the central nervous system (CNS). It is for this reason that they are highly sought after in such fields as drug discovery, disease modelling, studying neurodevelopment and regenerative medicine.

One of the biggest potential goals of NPC differentiation is in the development of cell therapy for various neurological disorders. NPC differentiation has been shown to improve neurological function in animal models of Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Researchers are now exploring potential therapeutic applications for NPCs in humans, which could lead to significant advancements in the treatment of these conditions. Similarly, pharmaceutical companies are now actively utilizing NPCs is in drug discovery and development.

With the ability to produce neurons and glial cells, NPC Differentitation can be used to study the effects of drugs on the nervous system as well as study the risk of toxicity to ensure patient safety. This can help researchers identify potential drug candidates and optimize their efficacy and safety profiles.

With such promise, the question arises: should researchers create their own iPSCs before differentiating them into NPCs? Briefly, iPSCs are pluripotent stem cell that can be generated from adult cells, such as fibroblasts or blood cells, and reprogrammed to their pluripotent or “blank” state. This makes them an attractive source of NPCs, however, depending on the methods used this can be very laborious in terms of time and resources. In most reprogramming protocols, a single mistake or misstep in following the protocol can lead to weeks of cell culture work being wasted, not to mention the loss in cell culture reagents.

In this article we will explore 4 reasons why outsourcing NPC differentiation is advantageous to researchers:

Reducing expenditure and resources

Outsourcing iPSC differentiation can save time and resources for researchers, who may not have the necessary expertise or infrastructure to perform the complex differentiation process in-house. This allows them to focus on their core research, such as drug discovery and preclinical testing. Additionally, outsourcing can provide access to a diverse range of iPSC lines and NPCs, which can be custom designed to meet specific research needs such as the NINDS Stem Cell Catalog.

Instead of hiring new employees who have the ability to reprogram patient cells into iPSCs and differentiate them into NPCs, Sampled can take patient samples and do the work for you, saving you time and money by removing the need to hire new staff members and training them.

Consistency and Quality of NPCs

Another advantage of outsourcing is that it can ensure the quality and consistency of NPCs. Differentiation of iPSCs into NPCs is a labor-intensive process that requires strict quality control measures to ensure that the NPCs are of the desired purity and functionality, this process takes even longer if you do not have the right training or expertise. Our in-house experts are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to be able to carry out reprogramming and differentiation for you.

Outsourcing to a specialized service provider can offer access to experts with experience in the differentiation process and quality control measures, ensuring that the NPCs are of high quality and consistent across batches. To learn more about our quality control options you can read our resource on Source and Stem cell reprogramming services.

Reducing turn around time

As mentioned above, differentiation of iPSCs into NPCs is a time and labor-intensive process. This is especially true if you are new to cell culture work or differentiating iPSCs, as a single mistake can cost you months of time as you are forced to restart your differentiation protocol. At Sampled we can provide up to 10 individual cell lines within 3-4 months where researchers will receive 16-20 vials containing 2 x 10⁶ cells per vial.

Scaling NPC Differentiation Efficiently

Projects can change direction at a moment’s notice. We understand the need to stay agile which is why outsourcing iPSC differentiation into NPCs can benefit researchers who need to scale up their research. We work with you to understand your needs and requirements and aid in experimental design where necessary to ensure that you receive the right number of NPCs that have undergone the appropriate quality control measures

In conclusion, the applications of NPC Differentiation are vast and can potentially revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders. Outsourcing iPSC differentiation into NPCs can offer several advantages, including cost and time savings, access to specialized expertise, and quality control measures. This can enable researchers and biopharmaceutical companies to accelerate their drug discovery and development programs, providing potential new treatments and hope for patients suffering from neurological disorders.

How does CRISPR gene editing work?

When CRISPR Cas9 protein is added to a cell, along with a strand of guide RNA, the Cas9 protein first binds to the guide RNA. This complex is then able to move along the DNA sequence until it locates a specific sequence of DNA (approximately 20 base pairs long) that matches the guide RNA. Once the complex locates the specific sequence or gene it was programmed to, it cuts the DNA before mutations are introduced to make precise changes to the DNA sequence. This can include removing the sequence or turning the genes on/off by changing the one letter of the DNA code to another.  

The promise of CRISPR technology is very exciting as the technology opens doors for groundbreaking changes to everyday life, including the prevention and treatment of many diseases, increasing crop yield and even editing out harmful genes within the DNA of fetuses.

So, what are the benefits of outsourcing CRISPR gene editing?

While some research institutions have developed in-house expertise in CRISPR gene editing, there are several compelling reasons why outsourcing these services can be beneficial. In this blog, we will explore some of the five reasons why outsourcing CRISPR gene editing services can be advantageous.

Access to specialized expertise

CRISPR gene editing is a complex and rapidly evolving technology that requires specialized expertise to execute with precision and accuracy. With CRISPR being a new technology, there is a lack of user friendly guides or resources to help researchers who wish to carry out CRISPR by themselves. This has led to scientists who are unfamiliar with protocols attempting their experiments several times before achieving some success, with many citing that the optimization step is particularly difficult to execute properly. The success achieved by the few who have managed to delete/insert genes is limited however, as editing efficiency is far lower than they would hope.

By repeating the same experiment several times, only to obtain low editing efficiency, researchers who have tried to execute CRISPR research are wasting not only time and resources but money too. Outsourcing gene editing services to a specialized service provider such as Sampled allows researchers to gain access to a team of experienced and knowledgeable experts with deep expertise in this field. We  are equipped with the latest gene editing tools and technologies, allowing us to deliver efficient and effective solutions for a wide range of gene editing applications.

Cost-effective solution

Outsourcing CRISPR gene editing services can be a cost-effective solution for research institutions and biotech companies. The cost of setting up an in-house gene editing laboratory can be high, as it requires significant investments in equipment, personnel, and training which can take a long time. By outsourcing gene editing services, institutions and companies can save on these costs and leverage the expertise of specialized service providers who have already made these investments.

Flexibility and scalability

Outsourcing CRISPR gene editing services to Sampled offers flexibility and scalability. We can quickly adapt to your project needs and timelines changing, providing researchers with the ability to scale up or down their gene editing projects as required. This flexibility can be particularly valuable in situations where resources are limited or where project timelines are subject to change.

Quality assurance

Outsourcing gene editing services can also provide researchers with quality assurance and peace of mind. Our tried and tested established protocols and quality control processes are in place to ensure that all gene editing projects are executed to the highest standards of accuracy, efficiency, and safety. By outsourcing gene editing services, researchers can be confident that their gene editing projects will be executed to the highest standards, providing reliable and reproducible results.

Regulatory compliance

CRISPR gene editing is subject to stringent regulatory compliance requirements, particularly when it comes to clinical trial research. By outsourcing gene editing services to a service provider that specializes in regulatory compliance, researchers can ensure that their projects meet all regulatory requirements and standards which in turn ensures your project won’t suffer delays. This can be particularly important for researchers seeking to develop new gene therapies or other clinical applications of CRISPR gene editing.

The benefits of outsourcing CRISPR gene editing work to Sampled

We accept induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) directly from clients or those selected from repositories housed at Sampled such as National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH; https://www.nimhgenetics.org/) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS; https://stemcells.nindsgenetics.org/). Our trained experts can discuss your needs and help with experimental design so that you can be assured that the cells to be edited meet your expectations. Furthermore, our cells undergo rigorous quality control testing to ensure that you will receive a 100% homogeneous population, this is crucial for investigations such as drug screening studies to minimize noise and prevent genetic drift within cell populations.

To summarize, outsourcing CRISPR gene editing services can provide many benefits to research institutions and biotech companies. By gaining access to specialized expertise, cost-effective solutions, flexibility, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, researchers can execute their gene editing projects with confidence and achieve their desired outcomes, without having to become CRISPR experts overnight.

To get in touch with our experts and learn more about our Sampled Labs Services click here.