Thanks to funding from the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), a doctoral researcher has developed a novel 3D tissue model to support future rehabilitation research by growing human sensory neurons and muscle cells together in the lab.
Maria Mendoza Hidalgo, who is currently completing an NRC-supported PhD at Loughborough University, created an advanced human in vitro model – a powerful tool to study how sensory neurons and muscle cells interact at the molecular level. Its application can support the development of improved therapeutic and rehabilitation strategies for neuromuscular diseases and injuries.
Traditionally, research laboratories use 2D systems where cells grow attached to a flat surface. In these conditions, cells are forced into a flat layer that does not reflect the complex structures they form inside the human body.
By contrast, growing cells in three dimensions allows their organisation into tissue‑like structures, offering a more realistic view of how they function and interact. These advanced in vitro models such as the one developed by Ms Mendoza are transforming biomedical research, providing information about neuron–muscle communication that cannot be obtained through conventional methods.
To achieve this, Ms Mendoza applied state‑of‑the‑art bioengineering techniques to adapt a 3D muscle model so it could incorporate human sensory neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Induced PSCs are adult cells, often taken from skin samples, that have been reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells. This means they can be directed to become many different cell types, including human neurons that are otherwise difficult to obtain.
Through a series of carefully designed experiments, Ms Mendoza successfully grew these neurons within a 3D system compatible with the muscle model. She then tested different culture conditions until identifying the optimal environment for maintaining both neurons and muscle together.
Finally, she established a reproducible protocol to generate 3D neuromuscular models using muscle cells from three different donors. The functionality of these neuromuscular models was confirmed using specialized technologies. In addition, neuron projections were observed extending toward muscle cells - indicating possible neuromuscular interaction within the system.
These advanced in vitro muscular tissue models are now part of a wider portfolio of tools offered through a Loughborough University spin‑out, Myomaker Bio. A contract research organisation that develops tissue assays that accurately model human musculoskeletal injury and disease. More information can be found at: www.myomakers.com.