Three-dimensional (3D) lung epithelial cell models mimic key aspects of the parental tissue, including apical-basolateral polarity and barrier function (Barrila et al. 2010, PMID: 20948552). These 3D cultures are generated using the rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor system, allowing host cells

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:59

Contact: Aurélie Crabbé
Organisation: Ghent University (UGent)
Status: Published in peer reviewed journal
The Galleria mellonella assay makes use of larvae of the Greater Wax Moth. G. mellonella larvae are injected with a small amount of microorganisms, and survival can easily be followed for up to 1 week. This allows to compare virulence between different organisms. Alternatively, after injection of

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:58

Contact: Tom Coenye
Organisation: Ghent University (UGent)
Status: Published in peer reviewed journal
The C. elegans assay can be used to study the virulence of various microorganisms, and can be used to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of drugs or drug candidates. The two main outcome parameters are (i) survival of C. elegans and (ii) microbial load.

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:57

Contact: Tom Coenye
Organisation: Ghent University (UGent)
Status: Published in peer reviewed journal
This method evaluates sprouting propensity of endothelial cells in a collagen matrix. The effect of pro-angiogenic growth factors or co-cultured cells can be measured by quantifying the amount of vascular sprouts that form on endothelial spheroids. Endothelial spheroids are obtained by growing

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:47

Organisation: Ghent University (UGent)
Status: Internally validated
Sandwich-cultured hepatocytes are exposed to test compounds (e.g. drug candidates) or known hepatotoxicants (as controls) both in the absence and in the presence of a mixture of physiologically relevant bile acids. After 24h, decreased hepatocyte viability and functionality in the presence of bile

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:35

Contact: Pieter Annaert
Organisation: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)
Status: Internally validated, Published in peer reviewed journal
Despite major advances in our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, no efficient therapies are available for patients with dementia, motor neuron disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. With the advent of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) it now becomes possible to better model human

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:32

Contact: Cannot be disclosed
Organisation: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)
Status: Still in development, Internally validated
We developed in vitro models to study liver disease, such as liver inflammation and fibrosis, as seen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH); or hepatitis viral infection; or to enhance our ability to detect drugs that cause acute or repeat dose drug induced

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:32

Contact: Cannot be disclosed
Organisation: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)
Status: Internally validated, Published in peer reviewed journal
The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a highly vascularized membrane which results from the fusion of two extra-embryonic membranes, namely the chorion and the allantois. The CAM is easily accessible for manipulation and imaging, but methodologies differ whether the chicken embryo stays within its

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:27

Contact: Hanna Tay
Organisation: Ghent University (UGent)
Status: Internally validated
Better understanding of molecular mechanisms controlling both normal and malignant human hematopoiesis will lead to a more efficient therapy of immune deficiencies and lymphoid leukemias. Therefore, human hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are differentiated in vitro towards distinct

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 13:21

Contact: Tom Taghon
Organisation: Ghent University (UGent)
Status: Internally validated, Published in peer reviewed journal
Biomechanical modelling used to simulate functional performance of skeleton and muscle systems in vertebrates. For studying how tissues respond to mechanical loading during movement, we apply finite element modelling. For studying how muscles interact with skeletal elements, and how they make them

Last updated on: 08-11-2019 - 11:05

Organisation: Ghent University (UGent)
Partners: Hull University
Status: History of use