Human-relevant models. Multiorgan systems. Translational insight.
The Cells, Tissues, and Models Core (CTMC) provides investigators with advanced in vitro models, patient-derived tissues, and technical expertise to study cystic fibrosis across multiple organs. By integrating primary human tissues, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), organoids, and organ-on-chip platforms, the CTMC enables mechanistic and translational CF research grounded in human biology.
Our Mission
To advance cystic fibrosis research by developing and providing relevant cellular and tissue-based models, training investigators, and enabling cross-disciplinary studies that reflect the multisystem nature of CF.
What We Do
What We Do
Advanced Cellular & Tissue Modeling for CF Research
🧫 Organs & Systems Studied
- Lung and airway
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Intestine
- Kidney
- Vas deferens
- Liver-associated tissues
🧬 Species Supported
- Human
- Pig
- Ferret
- Mouse
Key Services
🔹 Human Tissue Collection & Biobanking
- Collection of discarded tissues from CF and non-CF individuals
- Samples obtained post-surgery, post-transplant, or through the Decedent Center
- Tissues include:
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
- Intestine
- Airway and lung
- Kidney and vas deferens
🔹 In Vitro Model Generation
- Primary epithelial cell isolation and expansion
- Polarized epithelia at air–liquid interface
- Organoid cultures (airway, intestinal, pancreatic, gallbladder)
- Models derived from human, pig, ferret, and mouse tissues
🔹 iPSC & Stem Cell–Derived Models
- Reprogramming of primary cells into iPSC
- Differentiation into CF-relevant lineages:
- Airway
- Intestinal
- Pancreatic epithelia
- Long-term, renewable patient-derived model systems
🔹 Organ-on-Chip & Microfluidics
- Multicellular tissue-level organ-on-chip models
- Standardized protocols and services
- Microfluidic systems to study cell function and disease mechanisms
🔹 Model Characterization & Phenotyping
- Bioelectric measurements
- Morphologic and histologic evaluation
- Gene expression profiling
- pH and fluid composition measurements
🔹 Cryobanking & Distribution
- Extensive human cell cryobank representing all CFTR mutation classes
- Amplification and cryostorage of:
- Human epithelial cells
- Human, Mouse, pig, and ferret fibroblasts
- Other tissue cell types available upon request
- Distribution of cells and tissues to UI and external investigators
🔹 Training & Education
- Hands-on instruction in cell culture and model systems
- Support for new investigators entering CF research
- Ongoing method development and dissemination
🔹 Why work with us?
- Human-relevant, multiorgan CF models
- Integration of primary cells, iPSC, organoids, and organ-on-chip systems
- Access to rare CF tissues across species
- Strong collaboration with Clinical Phenotyping and other PMCCF Cores
- Focus on reproducibility and standardization
Core Leadership
Dr. Amy Ryan PhD
Dr. Ryan brings expertise in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies and microfluidic organ-on-chip platforms. Her work focuses on developing renewable, patient-derived models and multicellular systems to study CF across tissues and disease states.
Dr. Alejandro Pezzulo, PhD
Dr. Pezzulo is a leader in epithelial biology and cystic fibrosis modeling, with expertise in primary cell culture, organoids, and airway epithelial physiology across species. His work has advanced human-relevant in vitro systems for studying CF pathophysiology.