Ncyte^® Heart in A Box™

Ncyte^® Heart in a Box™ is an innovative 3D cardiac microtissue model derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). It integrates three critical cell types—ventricular cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and cardiac fibroblasts—into a single, high-purity product that mirrors the complexity of the human heart.

This system provides a more accurate platform for studying heart development, disease modeling, and therapeutic testing

This model is based on Giacomelli E, et al. Human-iPSC-Derived Cardiac Stromal Cells Enhance Maturation in 3D Cardiac Microtissues and Reveal Non-cardiomyocyte Contributions to Heart Disease. Cell Stem Cell. 2020 Jun 4;26(6):862-879.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.05.004.

cardiac

Immunofluorescence staining for α-SMA (red), cTnT (yellow), and PECAM (green) showing the presence of key cell types. DAPI (blue) stains nuclei.

Identity markers

vCardiomyocytes: ≥90%cTnT+, Endothelial Cells: ≥90% CD31+/CD144+, Cardiac Fibroblasts: ≥95% vimentin+/≥85% TCF21, Thawing according to user guide

Format

Cryopreserved cells

Size (viable cells/vial)

vCardiomyocytes: ≥4M viable cells, Endothelial Cells: ≥1M viable cells, Cardiac Fibroblasts: ≥ 0.4M cells viable cells, Thawing cells according user guide

Quality Control

Cell count, Viability, Identity (FACS, ICC), Mycoplasma testing

Donor

Female

Reprogramming method

Ectopic expression of reprogramming factors using episomal plasmids

Shipping conditions

Dry shipper, -180C to -135C

Storage conditions

Vapor phase of liquid nitrogen

Cardiotoxicity Testing and Drug Screening Heart Disease Modeling Angiogenesis and Vascular Remodeling Fibrosis Research and ECM Remodeling

Cardiotoxicity Testing and Drug Screening

Ncyte® Heart in a Box™ offers a comprehensive platform for assessing the cardiotoxic effects of potential drug candidates. By incorporating cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and cardiac fibroblasts, this system allows researchers to evaluate drug effects on cardiac function, viability, and toxicity across various heart cell types. High-throughput screening and large-scale compound testing can predict cardiotoxicity risks before clinical trials, reducing the reliance on animal models.

A. Response of 3D Cardiac Microtissues to tool compounds

B: Response of 3D Cardiac Microtissues to tool compounds

Disease modeling with Ncardia’s cardiac microtissues: CPVT.

Heart Disease Modeling

This system is ideal for modelling various
cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic
heart disease, heart failure, hypertrophy, and
fibrosis. Researchers can explore disease
mechanisms in a human-relevant 3D envi-
ronment, gaining a deeper understanding of
cellular interactions and disease progression.
Ncyte® Heart in a Box™ is particularly useful
for studying how cardiomyocytes, endothelial
cells, and fibroblasts interact during heart
disease development.

Response to Drugs in the Heart in a Box Model

Angiogenesis and Vascular Remodeling

Ncyte® Endothelial Cells form functional
vascular networks, providing an excellent
model for studying angiogenesis and vascular
remodelling, especially in ischemic heart
diseases. This application is valuable for
testing therapies aimed at promoting blood
vessel growth and improving circulation,
such as in post-myocardial infarction or
heart failure.

Ac-LDL uptake assay showing Ncyte® Endothelial Cells’ ability to internalize acetylated low-density lipoprotein

Fibrosis Research and ECM Remodeling

Cardiac fibrosis, a hallmark of many heart
diseases, is driven by the activation of car-
diac fibroblasts. Ncyte® Cardiac Fibroblasts
offer a unique opportunity to study ECM re-
modelling, collagen deposition, and fibroblast
activation in response to injury. This system
is critical for developing antifibrotic therapies
to reduce scar tissue formation and restore
heart function.

Brightfield image of Ncyte® cardiac fibroblasts showing their elongated and spindle-shaped morphology

Immunofluorescence staining for vimentin (green) and connexin 43 (CX43, red). Vimentin is a cytoskeletal protein present in fibroblasts, while CX43 is a gap junction protein involved in cell-to-cell communication. DAPI (blue) stains the cell nuclei. Scale bar: 50 μm

Immunofluorescence staining for collagen type I (COL1A1, red) and CX43 (green). COL1A1 is a major component of the extracellular matrix. DAPI (blue) stains the cell nuclei.

Ncyte^® Heart in A Box™

Product Specifications

Technical Data