Molecular Research in Three-Dimensional Model Systems for Pharmacological Approaches

Dear Colleagues,

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems provide a novel method for the study of the stem cell culture and differentiation process. At present, 3D cell culture technology can cultivate a variety of specialized stem cells, pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells.

Stem cells are widely studied for organ repair because they are easy to obtain and have great potential for multiline differentiation. For example, epithelial stem cells can be differentiated into absorbant cells, goblet cells, Panet cells and oligodendrocytes via 3D culture, and mesenchymal stem cells with self-renewal and differentiation also have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, including chondrocytes, bone cells, fat cells, and nerve cells under specific culture conditions. They even form simple or complex three-dimensional structures such as spheres and organoids.

As such, 3D culture models can more effectively reproduce complex structures and the physiology of living tissues; therefore, the experimental results of stem-cell-based 3D culture models for drug testing and tissue-specific disease modeling are also more reliable than 2D culture models.

The current Special Issue focuses on novel developments and trends in 3D stem cell culture models in vitro, such as spheres, microfluidic devices, organoids, etc. These new technology platforms, combined with other disciplines such as genetics, bioinformatics, nanotechnology, pharmacology, etc., generate new ideas for tissue differentiation research and the future clinical application of tissue-specific diseases.

Authors are invited to contribute original research articles and reviews to this Special Issue focusing on molecular studies related to 3D culture models and the application of stem cells in translational medicine.

Dr. Guya Marconi
Dr. Francesca Diomede
Dr. Jacopo Pizzicanella
Guest Editors

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• regenerative medicine
• stem cells
• microfluidics
• oral stem cells
• osteoregeneration
• biomaterials
• epithelial–mesenchymal transition
• extracellular vesicles