NCATS-NASA State-of-the-Science Meeting: 3D Tissues and Microphysiological Systems

The development of 3D tissues and microphysiological systems (MPS) have been advancing for the past decade at an overwhelming rate providing more advanced tissues and miniaturized organ constructs to better evaluate drug toxicities and mechanisms of cellular and tissue damage in vitro. 3D tissues and MPS platforms have the potential to provide high throughput medical countermeasure screening and high content data for various endpoints and physiological systems prior to moving to in vivo models. These endpoints have significant value for disease modeling and treatment on Earth as well as enabling new approaches to mitigating risks to humans in space. The advanced 3D tissues and MPS models utilize human derived cells and may serve as a bridge for animal to human translation between species. In order to take advantage of 3D tissues and MPS for medical countermeasure screening, 3D tissues and MPS need to be validated against human clinical measures.

The objectives of this meeting are: 1) to develop a better understanding of the state of the science in 3D tissues and MPS, 2) identify specific topic areas where 3D tissues and MPS may meet various Interagency needs and 3) discuss potential partnerships across agencies that may benefit from leveraging resources to pursue activities in this area.

Host contact details:

NCATS: Lucie Low, PhD - lucie.low@nih.gov

NASA: Lisa Carnell, PhD - lisa.a.scottcarnell@nasa.gov

3-D Tissue Model System

3D Organ Systems on Chips

Organ Diseases on Chips

Space Medicine