Axol Bio Launches iPSC-Derived Astrocyte Kits

Axol Bioscience has expanded its range of neuroscience research tools to include an iPSC-Derived Astrocyte Progenitor Kit and iPSC-Derived Mature Astrocyte Kit. Axol iPSC-Derived Astrocyte Kits include cryopreserved cells, optimised media and supplements. The new kits offer researchers a complete culture system that is easy to use and promotes long-term cell viability for use in disease modelling and drug discovery applications.

Astrocytes are capable of lipid uptake and serve to support, repair and maintain the central nervous system (CNS) by providing essential nutrients that encourage neuronal maturation. Astrocyte dysfunction had been implicated in a number of neurological conditions such Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, autism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Rett syndrome and schizophrenia. Axol iPSC-Derived Astrocytes enable researchers to study these cells as an isolated population or in combination with neurons, for more complex analysis of the CNS, across a wide variety of applications.

Axol iPSC-Derived Astrocyte Progenitor Kits are designed to generate mature astrocytes in under three weeks and iPSC-Derived Mature Astrocytes express prototypical phenotype markers such as, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Dr Yichen Shi, CEO, Axol Bioscience said: ‘We’re delighted to offer an expanded portfolio of highly validated iPSC-derived neural cells and xeno-free culture systems with the launch of our iPSC-Derived Astrocyte Kits. The addition of these kits will help to establish our growing reputation as a global leader in the supply of human iPSC-derived cells for neurological studies by helping researchers gain further insight into the mechanisms that govern CNS development, disease onset and drug response.’