The lung is a complex organ with a large and highly vascularized epithelial surface area. Gas exchange in the lung occurs in the air-filled alveoli containing type I and II alveolar epithelial cells. Type II cells function as progenitor cells in the alveoli and proliferate and differentiate into type I cells, while type I cells are involved in gas exchange [1]. Type II cells not only proliferate to maintain the epithelium but also play critical roles in respiration and host defense mechanism through production of the pulmonary surfactants (SPs) [1]. Type II cells, however, lose their functional markers within a few days of cultivation in 2D culture.
Studies have shown that when alveolar epithelial cells are cultured in three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, cells maintain their epithelial functional markers [2].
Ready-to-use human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cell spheroids (SP3D-HPAEpiS) provide a more native in vitro lung model. These spheroids express the surfactant proteins such as SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP–D. are ready for experiments at 24 hours post thawing, and are an excellent in vitro model for studying the contribution of the alveolar epithelial cells to alveolar maintenance and repair.
Quality Control
SP3D-HPAEpiS are tested for the formation of functional and uniform 3D human pulmonary alveolar pithelial spheroids according to the included protocol.
All components are negative for bacterial and fungal contamination.
Product Use
SP3D-HPAEpiS are for research use only. It is not approved for human or animal use, or application in clinical or in vitro diagnostic procedures.
Product format:
A 24-well plate
Shipping: SP-3200, 3D-4152, 0004, 0583 are shipped on dry ice. 3D-3201, and (0343 or 0353 or 0383) are shipped at room temperature.
References: [1] Barkauskas CE, Cronce MJ, Rackley CR, Bowie EJ, Keene DR, Stripp BR, Randell SH, Noble PW, Hogan B. (2013) “Type 2 alveolar cells are stem cells in adult lung.” J Clin Invest. 123(7): 3025-3036. [2] Takahashi K, Mitsui M, Takeuchi K, Uwabe Y, Kobayashi K, Sawasaki Y, Matsuoka T. (2004) “Preservation of the Characteristics of the Cultured Human Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells.” Lung 182: 213-226.