Description of the CN3_S9_BAC_04 Project

The project CN3_S9_BAC_04 integrates 3D cell cultures with RNA therapies, empowered by intelligent algorithms, to address significant challenges in medical research: standardizing 3D cell cultures for drug testing and optimizing therapy delivery. 3D cultures play a pivotal role in medical research and drug development but grapple with standardization issues, while RNA therapies face obstacles in targeted delivery. Our platform enhances 3D cell culture management, monitors growth, and quantifies mass density as an indicator of organoid/spheroid stiffness.

Project Objectives

The project CN3_S9_BAC_04 we aim to assess this biomarker as a predictor of drug permeation, providing a novel indicator to enhance screening robustness. Utilizing PDAC spheroids in mono and co-cultures with fibroblasts, we explore conditions with varying mass densities and tissue stiffness. Our objectives are to correlate mass density with compound permeation, using labeled lipids as benchmark method, and to test labeled ASO drugs intake as a Proof of Principle

Smart algorithms are employed for precise permeation scoring and quantifying drug penetration. This initiative marks the first step in advancing RNA-based therapeutics in 3D cellular environments, aiming to create a robust, scalable approach suitable for complex cellular models and diverse pharmacological treatments. This project embodies a multidisciplinary approach, with CellDynamics leading technological and algorithmic development, supported by experimental work at the IFOM Institute.

Expected Results

The project CN3_S9_BAC_04 we aim to deliver advanced prototypes for research, optimize spheroid cultures, and establish a permeation score for drug testing. Intermediate goals include the development of a data processing algorithm and Proof of Principle for RNA-based therapies. The final objectives are refining and automating prototypes for enhanced operation and conducting ASO drug tests to validate drug permeation. Monitoring and evaluation will be based on prototype performance, standardization of cell cultures, accuracy of permeation scores, and effectiveness of this method to evaluate RNA therapies, supported by both qualitative and quantitative indicators.

Overall Impact

This project presents significant innovative potential both nationally and internationally, effectively bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications in the field of 3D cell culture management and RNA therapeutic strategies. Its originality lies in an advanced stage of laboratory development, on the verge of moving to a market-ready state. At the end of the project, the proposed technical solutions have reached a high level of maturity, promising transformative impacts on biomedical research and the field of RNA therapy.