I am using SHSY5Y cells to develop neuroinflammation. I wanted to use MAP2 as a marker, but MAP2 only indicates the cells are differentiated. Is it necessary to ensure the cells are mature (eg: have synapse (synaptophysin as marker) to validate my in vitro model of neuroinflammation?
Hi Noor,
Although it is not totally necessary, I would recommend it or I would try both. Non-mature neuronal cells can behave very different and present diverse antigens. However, some differentiation protocols can be a little... "tricky". You can obtain some aberratic cells that can interfere with your results.
Overall, I would do some testing using both to characterize your in vitro model.
Regards,
Jordi.
It really depends on the question you're interested in exploring and what part you want these cells to play. If you are just interested in measuring general neuronal cell toxicity from neuroinflammation, then you might not have to differentiate. However, if you are looking to see how neuroinflammation alters any specific neuronal functions or cell signaling, then you would certainly need to differentiate. But I don't think that you would need to demonstrate synapse formation unless you are using a co-culture system.
Essentially, SHSY5Y cells are good for performing initial or exploratory studies that can be confirmed with primary cultures or in vivo, so demonstrating that they are 'mature' with synapses isn't typically necessary, unless you are looking in co-culture or communication with other cells.
Hi Noor,
Unless you are looking only to model early development very specifically, I'd suggest ensuring that the cells are mature. Carefully consider what are hoping to model.