Description
The ability to co-culture multiple cell types has enabled novel ways to study cancer, developmental biology, and tissue engineering. Three-dimensional co-culture of endothelial and smooth muscle cells have enabled the structure of a blood vessel to be mimicked. Co-culture experiments of carcinoma and intratumoral stromal cells have played an important role in understanding breast cancer initiation, promotion, and progression. Additionally, feeder cells are commonly co-cultured with stem cells to maintain pluripotency.
A common co-culture method utilizes the Boyden Chamber to culture one cell type in the insert with a second cell type in the plate well. However, this approach does not allow for direct cell-cell interaction, recognized as critical in determining cell behavior and producing a more relevant in vivo-like environment. The MyBioSource's CytoSelect 24-Well Cell Co-Culture System provides a unique platform to monitor direct contact between two cell types in a single well. First, cells are cultured until they form a monolayer around the insert, creating a defined 8 mm diameter cell-free zone. Once the insert is removed, a second cell type may be seeded into the exposed zone. The kit contains proprietary treated inserts and sufficient reagents for the evaluation of 24 samples. The inserts are compatible with most adherent cell types and experimental conditions