Designing 2D and 3D models to investigate function and structural properties of human skeletal muscle
Abstract
A consistently reproducible 2D and 3D model of human skeletal muscle would provide the necessary tools to investigate the relevant structural and functional properties observed in muscle tissue. For dystrophies, including Fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a model would act as a tool to investigate the symptoms of such an affliction. The importance arises in investigating the mechanisms involved with muscle degradation and reduction in motility. Using microcontact printing to pattern myocytes allows us to investigate the possibility of adapting a muscular thin film protocol to better understand the observable mechanisms in 2D. Alternatively, adapting a more biomimetic 3D model through a hydrogel-produced myobundle would allow for a comprehensive investigation of the structure at various layers, as well as contractility studies with stronger twitches than that of a 2D model. A platform to study human skeletal muscles in vitro has been optimized to improve reproducibility and consistency.