| abstract |
Microfluidic devices with neuronal cells, muscle cells, and optionally other cell types co-cultured therein are provided. Typically one or more the cells has a mutation that contributes to or causes a neuronal or muscular disease or disorder. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the cultured cells are derived from a subject with a neuronal or muscular disease or disorder. The microfluidic device can facilitate formation of a 3D motor unit and a neuromuscular junction in vitro, and be used to monitor the molecular, biochemical, cellular, and morphological differences in the formation of such structures by healthy and diseased cells, and for testing compounds, dosages of compounds, dosing regimes, and combinations thereof, that may improve or worsen their formation. An exemplary combination drug therapy identified in this way is also provided. |