The research described here includes a combination of in vivo animal studies and in vitro cell studies. The animal studies were conducted in NSG mice purchased from Jackson Laboratories and involve implantation of a cell-laden scaffold, animal monitoring, and scaffold explantation. After explantation, scaffolds could be analyzed using PCR or staining. The in vitro cell studies involved administration of Exendin-4 during differentiation of hPSC-derived beta cells and had endpoints such as PCR, flow cytometry, and staining.
Citation to related publication:
Crumbley, Bealer, Lietzke, Soleimanpour, Shea. Exendin-4 enhances insulin-positive phenotype of human pluripotent stem cell-derived beta cells during transplantation. In preparation.
The IN were sampled during and after ICB and sequenced to identify gene expression signatures that correlated with sensitivity or resistance. We also analyzed gene expression at the IN prior to ICB treatment to identify markers predicting therapeutic response. Longitudinally interrogating an IN, to monitor changes associated with ICB response, presents a new opportunity to personalize care and investigate mechanisms underlying treatment resistance.
