CDLD Cell Models Core

Director: Stephen A. Duncan, D. Phil.

Associate Director: Jorge Munera, Ph.D.

Head of Core Laboratory: Christiana Kappler, Ph.D.

The overall goals of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) COBRE in Digestive & Liver Disease (CDLD) Cell Models Core are to provide services for the production of state-of-the-art tissue culture models of digestive and liver disease, as well as training in the generation and use of these models to investigators within the CDLD. The Cell Models Core will therefore support and enhance the ability of CDLD researchers, junior investigators, as well as the broader MUSC research community, to generate and access unique cell culture models that will facilitate the study digestive disease on a molecular level. Importantly, the Core will equip researchers with unique tools and expertise in stem cell manipulation and genome engineering, expanding their technical repertoire and strengthening their research portfolios. An overview of the Core’s technical services is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Overview of Cell Models of Digestive Disease Core. The Cell Models Core will generate genetically-modified cells and iPSCs using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. Directed differentiation of iPSCs will be used to provide investigators with liver parenchymal cells and gut organoids for the study of digestive and liver disease. The Core will also provide training and implement an evaluation program to ensure optimal service. 
Figure 1. Overview of Cell Models of Digestive Disease Core. The Cell Models Core will generate genetically-modified cells and iPSCs using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. Directed differentiation of iPSCs will be used to provide investigators with liver parenchymal cells and gut organoids for the study of digestive and liver disease. The Core will also provide training and implement an evaluation program to ensure optimal service.