Micropillar Arrays for Assaying Myelination
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJonah R. Chan, Seonok Lee
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Abstract
Micropillar arrays for assaying differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes, ensheathment, and/or wrapping of the micropillars by the oligodendrocytes is provided. Also provided herein are methods of using the micropillar arrays for screening of candidate agents that promote differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into oligodendrocytes, ensheathment, and/or wrapping of the micropillars by the oligodendrocytes. A system comprising micropillar arrays and oligodendrocyte precursor cells are also provided.
Claims20
A method for screening for candidate agents that promote myelination, the method comprising:
- incubating a candidate agent with a substrate comprising a plurality of micropillars and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs);
- and
- determining presence or absence of myelination on the plurality of micropillars,
- wherein the presence of myelination of the plurality of micropillars indicates that the candidate agent promotes myelination,
- wherein the plurality of micropillars comprise micropillars that project vertically from the substrate and comprise a shape that tapers in diameter from a base of the micropillars attached to the substrate to a tip of the micropillars projecting away from the substrate.
A system for screening for candidate agents that promote myelination, the system comprising:
- a substrate comprising a plurality of micropillars;
- and
- oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs),
- wherein the plurality of micropillars comprise micropillars that project vertically from the substrate and comprise a shape that tapers in diameter from a base of the micropillars attached to the substrate to a tip of the micropillars projecting away from the substrate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.