Cell culture models for assessing human intestinal water absorption
Innovative cell culture models designed to replicate human intestinal physiology, enabling the study of water and solute transport driven by sugar and amino acid co-transporters. These models offer a cost-effective and ethical alternative to in vivo studies.
Overview
This groundbreaking research focuses on developing cell culture models that replicate human intestinal physiology to study water and solute transport mechanisms. These models specifically address the role of sugar and amino acid co-transporters, providing a cost-effective, technically straightforward, and ethically sound alternative to animal and human studies. By leveraging extensive experience in epithelial cell culture models, this approach promises to enhance our understanding of intestinal fluid transport.
Technical specifications
- Cell Line Selection: The project involves selecting appropriate cell lines that express required transport proteins to ensure accurate modeling of intestinal transport.
- Culture Protocols: Establishing and refining cell culture protocols to consistently achieve desired protein expression and permeability levels.
- Intervention Studies: Once models are established, interventions such as bioactive effects on transport and transporter expression will be assessed.
- Specialized Expertise: The research utilizes advanced genomic, proteomic, biochemical, and computational techniques to probe fluid transport in epithelial cells.
Technology readiness level
The current technology readiness level is 3, indicating that the models are in the early experimental phase, with protocols and interventions being refined for further validation.
About University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is a comprehensive public research university—New Zealand’s largest—serving a broad research portfolio and a large, diverse student body. Research is anchored across adjacent city and Newmarket sites with shared core facilities, pilot lines, and test halls; the health campus sits beside major Auckland hospitals, enabling clinical translation. UniServices, the university’s commercialization company, provides a single front door for contracting, IP management, and venture formation, with experienced teams to deliver multi‑party programs. Research is supported by competitive funding from New Zealand’s major agencies and international sponsors, including programs administered by MBIE, the Health Research Council, and the Marsden Fund. Dedicated tech transfer, incubator links, and prototyping resources help partners move from discovery to pilot and scale‑up.
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