Human 3D Colon Tissue Model for Toxicity and Microbiome studies

• TR Number: 1033
• Authors: Jon Oldach, Camden Holm, Michell Klausner, Alex Armento, Seyoum Ayehunie
• Materials Tested: Indomethacin, Dextran sulfate sodium salt, SN38, TNF-a, LPS, IFN-g, IL-1b

The human colon plays host to a wide variety of microbes living together in an ecosystem. Any damage or injury to the colonic epithelium disturbs this ecosystem which can in turn lead to inflammation and disease. The colonic epithelium is a dynamic structure with a self-renewing capacity and serves as an organ for reabsorption of water, electrolytes, and bacterial metabolites. Recently, Mattek has developed EpiColon, a polarized and well-differentiated in vitro human colon epithelial model with distinct luminal and basolateral sides. The aim of this study is to characterize the EpiColon human tissue model generated using epithelial cells from the human ascending colon to study: 1) toxicants, 2) microbiome, 3) safety and efficacy of colorectal care products and anti-microbial agents, and 4) inflammation.