Analysis of myotube-motoneuron interaction within an in vitro 3D collagen-based model of skeletal muscle

In seeking to further our understanding of skeletal muscle physiology and function in both healthy and diseased tissues, there is a strong need to develop in vitro culture systems that better represent the in vivo condition. This project is aimed at developing an innervated 3D in vitro model of skeletal muscle. It is hoped that the incorporation of primary motoneurons into a 3D model of skeletal muscle established in our lab will promote myofibre development towards an adult phenotype and improve the biomimicity of the system. Furthermore, the formation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) within a 3D in vitro setting should allow for testing of the effects of neuromuscular agents in culture, thereby reducing the need for in vivo experimentation. Here we present data characterising the development and maturation of this 3D co-culture system in comparison to conventional 2D cultures and discuss the implications for the future of skeletal muscle tissue culture techniques.