Support: NIDCD R01DC009801, P30DC010362, 5T32DC000040-17

Ethics Statement: use of the human tumor specimens in this protocol was approved by the University of Iowa Institutional Review Board (IRB).
1. Setup the Day Before Tumor Harvest
<ol>
	<li>Coat Cell Culture Plates: In a sterile culture hood, add enough poly-L-ornithine (0.01% solution) to cover the bottom of a polystyrene/plastic culture well/dish, replace the lids, and let sit at room temperature for at least 2 hr. Glass slides or coverslips can be substituted for polystyrene for experiments requiring imaging.</li>
	<li>After 2 hr, remove the poly-L-ornithine solution with suction and allow the plates to dry completely in a sterile culture hoods. Add enough laminin solution (10 &#181;g/ml in Ca2+/Mg2+-free HBSS [HBSS-/-]) to completely cover the culture plates, replace lids, then either 1) place in cool 4&#160;&#176;C refrigerator overnight, or 2) place in 37&#160;&#176;C incubator for at least 2 hr. If plates will be stored overnight or longer, wrap the plates in plastic wrap to prevent evaporation/desiccation.</li>
</ol>
2. Setup the Day of Tumor Harvest
<ol>
	<li>Prepare Culture Media: Media is made fresh on day of tumor harvest and processing, stored at 4&#160;&#176;C, and warmed to 37&#160;&#176;C in incubator immediately prior to media additions/changes.</li>
	<li>Schwannoma culture media is high-glucose (4.5 mg/ml)&#160;DMEM (with phenol red) with 0.1 mg/ml penicillin and 0.1 mg/ml streptomycin; N2 media supplement final dilution 1:100; Bovine Insulin 5 &#181;g/ml; Fetal Bovine Serum to 10% total volume. Filter all media through 0.22 &#956;m filter.</li>
	<li>Prepare Specimen Transport Cooler: Send an ice filled cooler with 1-2&#160;(depending on amount of tumor to be harvested) sterile 50 ml conical tubes with 25 ml&#160;HBSS with Ca2+/Mg2+ (HBSS+/+) to the operating room for tumor sample transfer and transport.</li>
	<li>Prepare individual tumor dissociation tubes &#8211; fill sterile 2 ml&#160;round bottom tubes with 1 ml of HBSS+/+ and place on ice. (Tubes will be used for sharp dissection/dissociation of tumor samples).</li>
	<li>For dissociation, prepare approximately one dissociation tube for every 0.5 cm3 of harvested tissue; for example, a tumor specimen measuring 1.0 x&#160;1.0 x&#160;1.0 cm (1 cm3) will require two HBSS+/+ dissociation tubes.</li>
	<li>Ultraviolet light sterilization: Place tissue scissors, small forceps, scalpel handle, 1x normal Petri dish, P1000 pipette, and pipette&#160;tips in a sterile culture hood, and leave under ultraviolet light for ~15 min&#160;prior to arrival and processing of tumor tissue.</li>
</ol>
3. Specimen Isolation and Transport
<ol>
	<li>Isolate tumor specimens by surgical resection.</li>
	<li>Immediately place tumor specimens into the ice-cold HBSS+/+ as quickly as possible after removal from the patient. Once all tissue samples are collected, transport samples (on ice) from the operative theater to the lab for further processing.</li>
</ol>
4. Tissue Dissociation and Trituration
<ol>
	<li>Following standard sterile technique in a laminar flow hood, bring conical tube with tumor specimen into the culture hood, and wash samples by inverting tube and tumor 50x. Allow fragments to fall to the bottom of the tube, and then remove HBSS+/+. Refill with 30 ml&#160;HBSS+/+, and agitate/invert 50x&#160;again. Repeat inversion/media removal for a total of 4x.</li>
	<li>Re-suspend tumor fragments in 30 ml HBSS+/+ for the last time, then pour mixture into a sterile100 mm petri dish, and separate tumor into 0.5 cm3 groupings. If larger tumor fragments are encountered, use the tissue scissors or scalpel (#11 or #15 blade) to cut into smaller pieces.</li>
	<li>Use the forceps to place the 0.5 cm3 tissue groups into the individual HBSS+/+ filled, 2 ml round bottom conical tubes, all on ice. Use the tissue scissors to mince tumor fragments into sub-1 mm fragments &#8211;the suspension should have a &#8216;snowglobe&#8217; appearance (Figure&#160;1). Mince the tumor only until the majority of the fragments are sub-1 mm; do not &#8216;over-mince&#8217; the tumor samples. Place completely minced tissue tube back on ice, and repeat with all additional specimen tubes.</li>
	<li>Transfer all fragmented tumor samples into a single 15 ml&#160;conical tube. A P1000 pipette&#160;with a cut/modified sterile tip works well for this step. Use extra HBSS+/+ to flush/rinse the 2 ml&#160;dissociation tubes to make sure all tumor sample has been collected in 15 ml&#160;tube. Spin down mixture in centrifuge at 23&#160;&#176;C, at 73 x g for 5 min.</li>
	<li>Suction off HBSS+/+, leaving the cell pellet. Re-suspend fragments in 1:1 mixture of 0.25% trypsin:0.2% collagenase (dissolved in HBSS-/-) &#8211; add just enough to keep tumor fragments in tight suspension. Replace screw-top, and place in 37&#160;&#176;C incubator for 30 min. Agitate cell mixture at least once during incubation to keep fragments in suspension. Place the Schwannoma culture media into the incubator to warm it at this time as well.</li>
	<li>After incubation, add 100 &#181;l FBS to each tube to inactivate the trypsin, and then centrifuge sample at 23&#160;&#176;C, 73 x g for 5 min. Using a pipette, carefully suction off as much supernatant as possible without disturbing cell pellet. Add the warmed culture media (N2/insulin/5% FBS) to the tumor fragments to a final ratio of 1:2 tumor fragments: culture media (for example, if there is 1 ml of tumor fragments, add in 2 ml of warmed media).</li>
	<li>Prepare for tumor trituration by cutting the tip off of a P1000 pipette tip to a diameter of approximately 1-2 mm. Slowly triturate the cell suspension using progressively smaller and smaller diameter pipette tips, until you can easily pipette the solution through an unaltered P1000 pipette tip. Immediately move to a smaller tip once you can easily pipette the tumor solution through the tip &#8211; do not over triturate the sample. If a single larger piece of tissue blocks aspiration during trituration, tapping the pipette tip on the bottom of the conical tube often allows continued trituration.</li>
</ol>
5. Cell Plating
<ol>
	<li>One 0.5 mm3 fragment of tissue is enough to seed 1 x 100 mm dish, or 4 x 8-well/4-well slides. Just prior to adding the media/cell mixture, remove the laminin solution from the culture plates but do not let the plates dry.</li>
	<li>For each 100 mm dish, dissolve the tumor fragment in 10 ml&#160;warmed culture media.</li>
	<li>For each well of a 4-well slide, use 750 &#956;l&#160;warmed culture media (3 ml&#160;for the whole slide).</li>
	<li>For each well of an 8-well slide, use 400 &#956;l&#160;warmed culture media (3.2 ml&#160;for the whole slide).</li>
	<li>Incubate the cultures in 37&#160;&#176;C, 100% humidity, 6% CO2. Leave the cultures alone for at least 36 hours, and then change the media if the solution is yellowed (acidic). Otherwise change the media at 72 hr, then every 2-3 days or when the media become acidic. If the media becomes acidic daily for several days in a row, this is generally an indication of potential bacterial or yeast contamination.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Arthurs, B. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+review+of+treatment+modalities+for+vestibular+schwannoma.">A review of treatment modalities for vestibular schwannoma.</a> Neurosurg Rev. 34 (3), 265-277 (2011).</li><li>Evans, G. R., Lloyd, S. K., Ramsden, R. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neurofibromatosis+type+2.">Neurofibromatosis type 2.</a> Adv Otorhinolaryngol. 70, 91-98 (2001).</li><li>Fong, B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+molecular+biology+and+novel+treatments+of+vestibular+schwannomas.">The molecular biology and novel treatments of vestibular schwannomas.</a> J Neurosurg. 115 (5), 906-914 (2011).</li><li>Jacob, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Preclinical+validation+of+AR42,+a+novel+histone+deacetylase+inhibitor,+as+treatment+for+vestibular+schwannomas.">Preclinical validation of AR42, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, as treatment for vestibular schwannomas.</a> Laryngoscope. 122 (1), 174-189 (2012).</li><li>Evans, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neurofibromatosis+2+[Bilateral+acoustic+neurofibromatosis,+central+neurofibromatosis.">Neurofibromatosis 2 [Bilateral acoustic neurofibromatosis, central neurofibromatosis.</a> NF2, neurofibromatosis type II]. Genet Med. 11 (9), 599-610 (2009).</li><li>Anniko, M., Noren, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Human+Acoustic+Neurinoma+in+Organ-Culture+.1.+Methodological+Aspects.">The Human Acoustic Neurinoma in Organ-Culture .1. Methodological Aspects.</a> Acta Oto-Laryngologica. 91 (1-2), 47-53 (1981).</li><li>Manent, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Magnetic+cell+sorting+for+enriching+Schwann+cells+from+adult+mouse+peripheral+nerves.">Magnetic cell sorting for enriching Schwann cells from adult mouse peripheral nerves.</a> J Neurosci Methods. 123 (2), 167-173 (2003).</li><li>Nair, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Primary+cultures+of+human+vestibular+schwannoma:+selective+growth+of+schwannoma+cells.">Primary cultures of human vestibular schwannoma: selective growth of schwannoma cells.</a> Otol Neurotol. 28 (2), 258-263 (2007).</li><li>Baur, A. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Laminin+promotes+differentiation,+adhesion+and+proliferation+of+cell+cultures+derived+from+human+acoustic+nerve+schwannoma.">Laminin promotes differentiation, adhesion and proliferation of cell cultures derived from human acoustic nerve schwannoma.</a> Acta Otolaryngol. 115 (4), 517-521 (1995).</li><li>Cravioto, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Experimental+neurinoma+in+tissue+culture.">Experimental neurinoma in tissue culture.</a> Acta Neuropathol. 21 (2), 154-164 (1972).</li><li>Kaasinen, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Culturing+of+acoustic+neuroma--methodological+aspects.">Culturing of acoustic neuroma--methodological aspects.</a> Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 520 Pt 1, 25-26 (1995).</li><li>Kredel, F. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tissue+Culture+of+Intracranial+Tumors+with+a+Note+on+the+Meningiomas.">Tissue Culture of Intracranial Tumors with a Note on the Meningiomas.</a> Am J Pathol. 4 (4), 337-340 (1928).</li><li>Murray, M. R., Stout, A. P., Bradley, C. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Schwann+cell+versus+fibroblast+as+the+origin+of+the+specific+nerve+sheath+tumor:+Observations+upon+normal+nerve+sheaths+and+neurilemomas+in+vitro.">Schwann cell versus fibroblast as the origin of the specific nerve sheath tumor: Observations upon normal nerve sheaths and neurilemomas in vitro.</a> Am J Pathol. 16 (1), 41-60 (1940).</li><li>Cravioto, H., Lockwood, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+behavior+of+acoustic+neuroma+in+tissue+culture.">The behavior of acoustic neuroma in tissue culture.</a> Acta Neuropathol. 12 (2), 141-157 (1969).</li><li>Lee, J. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Genetic+and+epigenetic+alterations+of+the+NF2+gene+in+sporadic+vestibular+schwannomas.">Genetic and epigenetic alterations of the NF2 gene in sporadic vestibular schwannomas.</a> PLoS One. 7 (1), 30418 (2012).</li><li>Wippold, F. J., 2nd, , et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neuropathology+for+the+neuroradiologist:+Antoni+A+and+Antoni+B+tissue+patterns.">Neuropathology for the neuroradiologist: Antoni A and Antoni B tissue patterns.</a> AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 28 (9), 1633-1638 (2007).</li><li>Mennel, H. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Short-term+tissue+culture+observations+of+experimental+primary+and+transplanted+nervous+system+tumors.">Short-term tissue culture observations of experimental primary and transplanted nervous system tumors.</a> J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 39 (6), 639-660 (1980).</li><li>Rosenbaum, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+characterization+of+Schwann+cells+from+neurofibromatosis+type+2+patients.">Isolation and characterization of Schwann cells from neurofibromatosis type 2 patients.</a> Neurobiol Dis. 5 (1), 55-64 (1998).</li></ol>

No conflicts of interest to disclose.

History of in vitro&#160;Schwannoma Cultures
Efforts to establish in vitro schwannoma cultures began just a few decades after the initial acoustic neuroma open surgical resection occurred in 189412. The first recorded cultures were by Kredel in the 1920s, who unsuccessfully attempted to grow minced tumor by &#8220;hanging drop method&#8221;12. Later, Drs. Murray and Stout published their in vitro culture experience with neurilem...

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) represent Schwann cell (SC) tumors of the vestibular nerve, compromising 10% of all intracranial neoplasms1-3.&#160;VSs occur in either sporadic or familial (neurofibromatosis type 2, NF2) forms, both associated with inactivating defects in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. Treatment for VSs is generally surgical resection or radiosurgery, however the morbidity of such procedures includes deafness, facial neuropathies, spinal fluid leak, imbalance, and tumor regrowth1. Additionally not all patients are acceptable surgical or radiation candidates. Such significant morbidity as well as a lack of alternative therapies has driven investigation into the unique molecular biology of VSs in hopes of developing novel treatments3,4.
Cell culture allows for rapid, facile, and in-depth analysis of molecular and cellular behavior and screening of potential therapeutic compounds. Historically, lack of access to fresh tissue specimens and the fact that schwannoma cells are not immortalized have significantly hampered the use of primary cultures for investigation of schwannoma tumorigenesis. To overcome the limited supply of primary cultures, the immortalized HEI193 VS cell line was generated by transduction with HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes5. This oncogenic transduction introduced significant molecular and phenotypic alterations to the cells, which limit their use as a model for human schwannoma tumors. SC cultures derived from transgenic mouse lines that lack a functional NF2 gene represent another alternative to investigate NF2-dependent SC tumorigenesis in vitro. These cultures however fail to recapitulate the heterogeneous nature of human VSs or account for human specific behavior. Most previous VS culture techniques required relatively long processing times and complicated selective culture techniques6-8. Here we present a simple, reproducible protocol for primary VS cell culture with complete processing in under 3 hr, with 95% tumor cell purity as determined by immunostaining.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Poly-L-Ornithine, 0.01% Solution</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Sigma</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">P4957</td>
			<td style="width:167px;">Cell Culture Surface Treatment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Laminin Mouse Protein&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">23017-015 / L2020</td>
			<td>Cell Culture Surface Treatment</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">0.2% Collagenase (dissolved in HBSS -/-)</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Sigma</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">C2674</td>
			<td>Dissociation Reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">0.25% Trypsin</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">25200-056</td>
			<td>Dissociation Reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">TPS 100mm Round Culture Dish</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Midwest Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">TP93100</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Permanox 4 well slide</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">1256521</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Permanox 8 well slide</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">1256522</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Suction Filter Flask</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Midwest Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">TP99500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">15ml Conical Tube</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Midwest Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">TP91015</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">50ml Conical Tube</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Midwest Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">TP91050</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">2mL Round Bottom Tube</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">USA Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">1620-2700</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Small Scissor</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">14058-11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Small Forceps</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">11251-20</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Scalpel Handle</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">FST</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">10004-13</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">#11 Scalpel Blade</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Roboz</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">RS-9801-11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Non-Tissue Culture 100mm Round Petri Dish</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">50-820-904</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">P1000 Pipetteman</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Bioexpress</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">P3963-1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Serological Pipetteman</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Bioexpress</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">R3073-2P</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Sterile, Non-Filtered P1000 Pipette Tips</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Midwest Scientific</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">TD1250R</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Insulated Ice Cooler</td>
			<td style="width:71px;"></td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Culture Hood&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Baker</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Centrifuge&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Eppendorf -5810R</td>
			<td style="width:119px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) +/+ (w/ Ca2+, Mg2+)&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">24020-117</td>
			<td>Schwannoma Culture and Media Components</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) -/- (w/out Ca2+, Mg2+)</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">14170-112</td>
			<td>Schwannoma Culture and Media Components</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="63" style="height:63px;width:216px;">Dulbecco&#8217;s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM), High Glucose, w/ Phenol Red</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">11965-092</td>
			<td>Schwannoma Culture and Media Components</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">N2 Supplement</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">17502-048</td>
			<td>Schwannoma Culture and Media Components</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">26140-079</td>
			<td>Schwannoma Culture and Media Components</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Penicillin - Streptomycin</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Gibco</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">15140-163</td>
			<td>Schwannoma Culture and Media Components</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:216px;">Bovine Insulin (1mg/ml 200x)</td>
			<td style="width:71px;">Sigma</td>
			<td style="width:119px;">I6634</td>
			<td>Schwannoma Culture and Media Components</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

primary culture of human vestibular schwannomas

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) represent Schwann cell (SC) tumors of the vestibular nerve, compromising 10% of all intracranial neoplasms. VSs occur in either sporadic or familial (neurofibromatosis type 2, NF2) forms, both associated with inactivating defects in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. Treatment for VSs is generally surgical resection or radiosurgery, however the morbidity of such procedures has driven investigations into less invasive treatments. Historically, lack of access to fresh tissue specimens and the fact that schwannoma cells are not immortalized have significantly hampered the use of primary cultures for investigation of schwannoma tumorigenesis. To overcome the limited supply of primary cultures, the immortalized HEI193 VS cell line was generated by transduction with HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes. This oncogenic transduction introduced significant molecular and phenotypic alterations to the cells, which limit their use as a model for human schwannoma tumors. We therefore illustrate a simplified, reproducible protocol for culture of primary human VS cells. This easily mastered technique allows for molecular and cellular investigations that more accurately recapitulate the complexity of VS disease.

Correct tumor fragmentation is essential for optimal seeding and outgrowth in the tissue culture dishes (Figure&#160;1). Identification of schwannoma cells during the first days after plating is often difficult, due to obscuring amounts of cellular debris and red blood cells. By the 4th or 5th day, cell extensions near adherent tumor fragments will create recognizable &#8216;lacing&#8217; patterns among the debris. Subsequent media changes generally remove the majority of non-adhere...

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Primary Culture of Human Vestibular Schwannomas

Vestibular Schwannomas (VSs) are non-malignant tumors of Schwann cell (SC) origin, associated with mutations in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. We report a reproducible, efficient protocol for primary human VS cell culture that allows for molecular and cellular experimental manipulation and analysis and recapitulates the heterogeneous nature of human disease.

Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) represent Schwann cell (SC) tumors of the vestibular nerve, compromising 10% of all intracranial neoplasms. VSs occur in ...

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12.7K Views.  University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Vestibular Schwannomas (VSs) are non-malignant tumors of Schwann cell (SC) origin, associated with mutations in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. We report a reproducible, efficient protocol for primary human VS cell culture that allows for molecular and cellular experimental manipulation and analysis and recapitulates the heterogeneous nature of human disease.

Video: Primary Culture of Human Vestibular Schwannomas

Skin Punch Biopsy Explant Culture for Derivation of Primary Human Fibroblasts

Tissues and cell lines derived from an individual with disease are ideal sources to study disease-related cellular phenotypes. Patient-derived fibroblasts in this protocol have been successfully used in the derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells to model disease1. Early passages of these fibroblasts can also be used for cell-based functional assays to study specific disease pathways, mechanisms2 and subsequent drug screening approaches. The advantage of the presented protocol over enzymatic procedures are 1) the reproducibility of the technique from small amounts of tissue derived from older patients, e.g. patients affected with Parkinson's disease, 2) the technically simple approach over more challenging methodologies using enzymatic treatments, and 3) the time consideration: this protocol takes 15-20 min and can be performed immediately after biopsy arrival. Enzymatic treatments can take up to 4 hr and have the problems of overdigestion, reduction of cell viability and subsequent attachment of cells when not handled properly. This protocol describes the dissection and preparation of a 4-mm human skin biopsy for derivation of a fibroblast culture and has a very high success rate which is important when dealing with patient-derived tissue samples. In this culture, keratinocytes migrate out of the biopsy tissue within the first week after preparation. Fibroblasts appear 7-10 days after the first outgrowth of keratinocytes. DMEM high glucose media supplemented with 20% FBS favors the growth of fibroblasts over keratinocytes and fibroblasts will overgrow the keratinocytes. After 2 passages keratinocytes have been diluted out resulting in relatively homogenous fibroblast cultures which expresses the fibroblast marker SERPINH1 (HSP-47). Using this approach, 15-20 million fibroblasts can be derived in 4-8 weeks for cell banking. The skin dissection takes about 15-20 min, cells are then monitored once a day under the microscope, and media is changed every 2-3 days after attachment and outgrowth of cells.

The fibroblast explant culture protocol from human skin punch biopsies is a technically robust and simple way to derive skin cells within 4-8 weeks for banking of about 15-20 million cells at a low passage number.

Tissues and cell lines derived from an individual with disease are ideal sources to study disease-related cellular phenotypes. Patient-derived fibroblasts ...

In vitro Organoid Culture of Primary Mouse Colon Tumors

Several human and murine colon cancer cell lines have been established, physiologic integrity of colon tumors such as multiple cell layers, basal-apical polarity, ability to differentiate, and anoikis are not maintained in colon cancer derived cell lines. The present study demonstrates a method for culturing primary mouse colon tumor organoids adapted from Sato T et al. 1, which retains important physiologic features of colon tumors. This method consists of mouse colon tumor tissue collection, adjacent normal colon epithelium dissociation, colon tumor cells digestion into single cells, embedding colon tumor cells into matrigel, and selective culture based on the principle that tumor cells maintain growth on limiting nutrient conditions compared to normal epithelial cells.
The primary tumor organoids if isolated from genetically modified mice provide a very useful system to assess tumor autonomous function of specific genes. Moreover, the tumor organoids are amenable to genetic manipulation by virus meditated gene delivery; therefore signaling pathways involved in the colon tumorigenesis could also be extensively investigated by overexpression or knockdown. Primary tumor organoids culture provides a physiologic relevant and feasible means to study the mechanisms and therapeutic modalities for colon tumorigenesis.

In vitro Organoid Culture of Primary Mouse Colon Tumors

A simple method to establish primary murine colon tumor organoid is described. This method utilizes the feature that colon tumor cells survive and grow into organoids in media containing limited growth factors, whereas normal colon epithelial do not.

Several  human and murine colon cancer cell lines have been established, physiologic  integrity of colon tumors such as multiple cell layers, basal-apical ...

Isolation, Culture, and Imaging of Human Fetal Pancreatic Cell Clusters

For almost 30 years, scientists have demonstrated that human fetal ICCs transplanted under the kidney capsule of nude mice matured into functioning endocrine cells, as evidenced by a significant increase in circulating human C-peptide following glucose stimulation1-9. However in vitro, genesis of insulin producing cells from human fetal ICCs is low10; results reminiscent of recent experiments performed with human embryonic stem cells (hESC), a renewable source of cells that hold great promise as a potential therapeutic treatment for type 1 diabetes. Like ICCs, transplantation of partially differentiated hESC generate glucose responsive, insulin producing cells, but in vitro genesis of insulin producing cells from hESC is much less robust11-17. A complete understanding of the factors that influence the growth and differentiation of endocrine precursor cells will likely require data generated from both ICCs and hESC. While a number of protocols exist to generate insulin producing cells from hESC in vitro11-22, far fewer exist for ICCs10,23,24. Part of that discrepancy likely comes from the difficulty of working with human fetal pancreas. Towards that end, we have continued to build upon existing methods to isolate fetal islets from human pancreases with gestational ages ranging from 12 to 23 weeks, grow the cells as a monolayer or in suspension, and image for cell proliferation, pancreatic markers and human hormones including glucagon and C-peptide. ICCs generated by the protocol described below result in C-peptide release after transplantation under the kidney capsule of nude mice that are similar to C-peptide levels obtained by transplantation of fresh tissue6. Although the examples presented here focus upon the pancreatic endoderm proliferation and &#946;&#160;cell genesis, the protocol can be employed to study other aspects of pancreatic development, including exocrine, ductal, and other hormone producing cells.

A protocol to isolate, culture, and image islet cell clusters (ICCs) derived from human fetal pancreatic cells is described.&#160; The method details the steps necessary to generate ICCs from tissue, culture as monolayers or in suspension as aggregates, and image for markers of proliferation and pancreatic cell fate decisions.

For almost 30 years, scientists have demonstrated that human fetal ICCs transplanted under the kidney capsule of nude mice matured into functioning ...

A Three-dimensional Tissue Culture Model to Study Primary Human Bone Marrow and its Malignancies

Tissue culture has been an invaluable tool to study many aspects of cell function, from normal development to disease. Conventional cell culture methods rely on the ability of cells either to attach to a solid substratum of a tissue culture dish or to grow in suspension in liquid medium. Multiple immortal cell lines have been created and grown using such approaches, however, these methods frequently fail when primary cells need to be grown ex vivo. Such failure has been attributed to the absence of the appropriate extracellular matrix components of the tissue microenvironment from the standard systems where tissue culture plastic is used as a surface for cell growth. Extracellular matrix is an integral component of the tissue microenvironment and its presence is crucial for the maintenance of physiological functions such as cell polarization, survival, and proliferation. Here we present a 3-dimensional tissue culture method where primary bone marrow cells are grown in extracellular matrix formulated to recapitulate the microenvironment of the human bone (rBM system). Embedded in the extracellular matrix, cells are supplied with nutrients through the medium supplemented with human plasma, thus providing a comprehensive system where cell survival and proliferation can be sustained for up to 30 days while maintaining the cellular composition of the primary tissue. Using the rBM system we have successfully grown primary bone marrow cells from normal donors and patients with amyloidosis, and various hematological malignancies. The rBM system allows for direct, in-matrix real time visualization of the cell behavior and evaluation of preclinical efficacy of novel therapeutics. Moreover, cells can be isolated from the rBM and subsequently used for in vivo transplantation, cell sorting, flow cytometry, and nucleic acid and protein analysis. Taken together, the rBM method provides a reliable system for the growth of primary bone marrow cells under physiological conditions.

In standard culture methods cells are taken out of their physiological environment and grown on the plastic surface of a dish. To study the behavior of primary human bone marrow cells we created a 3-D culture system where cells are grown under conditions recapitulating the native microenvironment of the tissue.

Tissue culture has been an invaluable tool to study many aspects of cell function, from normal development to disease. Conventional cell culture methods ...

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

A three-dimensional culture method is described in which primary pituitary adenoma cells are grown in alginate beads. Alginate is a polymer derived from brown sea algae. Briefly, the tumor tissue is cut into small pieces and submitted to an enzymatic digestion with collagenase and trypsin. Next, a cell suspension is obtained. The tumor cell suspension is mixed with 1.2% sodium alginate and dropped into a CaCl2 solution, and the alginate/cell suspension is gelled on contact with the CaCl2 to form spherical beads. The cells embedded in the alginate beads are supplied with nutrients provided by the culture media enriched with 20% FBS. Three-dimensional culture in alginate beads maintains the viability of adenoma cells for long periods of time, up to four months. Moreover, the cells can be liberated from the alginate by washing the beads with sodium citrate and seeded on glass coverslips for further immunocytochemical analyses. The use of a cell culture model allows for the fixation and visualization of the actin cytoskeleton with minimal disorganization. In summary, alginate beads provide a reliable culture system for the maintenance of pituitary adenoma cells.

Three-dimensional culture in alginate beads, due to its simplicity and reproducibility, was chosen to maintain the pituitary adenoma cells. The procedures included an initial enzymatic digestion and mechanical dissociation of the tumor tissue, and the subsequent cell suspension was encapsulated in alginate beads.

A three-dimensional culture method is described in which primary pituitary adenoma cells are grown in alginate beads. Alginate is a polymer derived from ...

Isolation and Culture of Primary Endothelial Cells from Canine Arteries and Veins

Cardiovascular disease is studied in both human and veterinary medicine. Endothelial cells have been used extensively as an in vitro model to study vasculogenesis, (tumor) angiogenesis, and atherosclerosis. The current standard for in vitro research on human endothelial cells (ECs) is the use of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and Human Umbilical Artery Endothelial Cells (HUAECs). For canine endothelial research, only one cell line (CnAOEC) is available, which is derived from canine aortic endothelium. Although currently not completely understood, there is a difference between ECs originating from either arteries or veins. For a more direct approach to in vitro functionality studies on ECs, we describe a new method for isolating Canine Primary Endothelial Cells (CaPECs) from a variety of vessels. This technique reduces the chance of contamination with fast-growing cells such as fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, a problem that is common in standard isolation methods such as flushing the vessel with enzymatic solutions or mincing the vessel prior to digestion of the tissue containing all cells. The technique we describe was optimized for the canine model, but can easily be utilized in other species such as human.

Novel isolation methods of primary endothelial cells from blood vessels are needed. This protocol describes a new technique that completely inverts blood vessels of interest, exposing only the endothelial side to enzymatic digestion. The resulting pure endothelial cell culture can be used to study cardiovascular diseases, disease modelling, and angiogenesis.

Cardiovascular disease is studied in both human and veterinary medicine. Endothelial cells have been used extensively as an in vitro model to study ...

Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae

The decidua, also known as the pregnant endometrium, is a critically important reproductive tissue. Decidual cells, comprised mainly of decidualized stromal cells and immune cells, are responsible for the secretion of hormonal and inflammatory factors which are critical for successful blastocyst implantation, placental development and play a role in the initiation of labor at term and preterm. Many pregnancy complications can arise from perturbations of a fine balance of different cell populations comprising decidua. Alterations in the proportion of specific decidual cell types may disrupt these crucial processes and increase the risk of developing serious complications of pregnancy, such as embryo implantation failure, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia and preterm labor. The protocol outlined here demonstrates a cost and time effective method for the isolation of primary human decidual cells collected from the fetal membranes of term placentae. By combining enzymatic digestion and gentle mechanical disruption of the decidual tissue, a high yield of decidual cells was obtained with virtually no chorion contamination. Importantly, isolated decidual cells were characterized (stromal cells (55-60%), leukocytes (35%), epithelial (1%) or trophoblast (0.01%) cells) and maintained high viability (80%) which was confirmed by multicolor imaging flow cytometry assay. This protocol is specific to the decidua parietalis and can be adapted to first and second trimester placentae. Once isolated, decidual cells can be used for a multitude of experimental applications aiming to understand the role of different decidual cell sub-populations in pregnancy complications.

This protocol demonstrates a method for the isolation of primary human decidual cells collected from the fetal membranes of term placentae which can be used for a variety of applications (i.e. immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, etc.) aiming to study the role of different cell populations in pregnancy complications.

The decidua, also known as the pregnant endometrium, is a critically important reproductive tissue. Decidual cells, comprised mainly of decidualized ...

Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations

Many hamstring injuries that occur during physical activity occur while the muscles are lengthening, during eccentric hamstring muscle actions. Opposite of these eccentric hamstring actions are concentric quadriceps actions, where the larger and likely stronger quadriceps straighten the knee. Therefore, to stabilize the lower limbs during movement, the hamstrings must eccentrically combat against the strong knee-straightening torque of the quadriceps. As such, eccentric hamstring strength expressed relative to concentric quadricep strength is commonly referred to as the &#34;functional ratio&#34; as most movements in sports require simultaneous concentric knee extension and eccentric knee flexion. To increase the strength, resiliency, and functional performance of the hamstrings, it is necessary to test and train the hamstrings at different eccentric speeds. The main purpose of this work is to provide instructions for measuring and interpreting eccentric hamstring strength. Techniques for measuring the functional ratio using isokinetic dynamometry are provided and sample data will be compared. Additionally, we briefly describe how to address hamstring strength deficiencies or unilateral strength differences using exercises that specifically focus on increasing eccentric hamstring strength.

The hamstrings are a group of muscles that are sometimes problematic for athletes, resulting in soft tissue injury in the lower limbs. To prevent such injuries, functional training of the hamstrings requires intensive eccentric contractions. Additionally, hamstring function should be tested in relation to quadricep function at different contraction speeds.

Many hamstring injuries that occur during physical activity occur while the muscles are lengthening, during eccentric hamstring muscle actions. Opposite ...

Surgical Labyrinthectomy of the Rat to Study the Vestibular System

To study the vestibular system or the vestibular compensation process, a number of methods have been developed to cause vestibular damage, including surgical or chemical labyrinthectomy and vestibular neurectomy. Surgical labyrinthectomy is a relatively simple, reliable, and rapid method. Here, we describe the surgical technique for rat labyrinthectomy. A postauricular incision is made under general anesthesia to expose the external auditory canal and the tympanic membrane, after which the tympanic membrane and the ossicles are removed without the stapes. The stapes artery, which is located between the stapes and the oval window, is a vulnerable structure and must be preserved to obtain a clear surgical field. A hole to fenestrate the vestibule is made with a 2.1-mm drill bur superior to the stapes. Then, 100% ethanol is injected through this hole and aspirated several times. Meticulous dissection under a microscope and careful bleeding control are essential to obtain reliable results. Symptoms of vestibular loss, such as nystagmus, head tilting, and a rolling motion, are seen immediately after surgery. The rotarod or rotation chair test can be used to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the vestibular function.

This protocol describes the surgical labyrinthectomy of a rat, which is a useful method for studying the vestibular system.

To study the vestibular system or the vestibular compensation process, a number of methods have been developed to cause vestibular damage, including ...

Characterization of a Novel Human Organotypic Retinal Culture Technique

Previous human organotypic retinal culture (HORC) models have utilized detached retinas; however, without the structural support conferred by retinal pigment epithelium-choroid (RPE-choroid) and sclera, the integrity of the fragile retina can easily be compromised. The aim of this study was to develop a novel HORC model that contains the retina, RPE-choroid and sclera to maintain retinal integrity when culturing retinal explants.
After cutting circumferentially along the limbus to remove iris and lens, four deep incisions were made to flatten the eyecup. In contrast to previous HORC protocols, a trephine was used to cut through not only the retina but also the RPE-choroid and sclera. The resultant triple-layered explants were cultured for 72 h. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining (H&#38;E) was used to assess anatomical structures and retinal explants were further characterized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for apoptosis, M&#252;ller cell integrity and retinal inflammation. To confirm the possibility of disease induction, explants were exposed to high glucose (HG) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (Cyt), to mimic diabetic retinopathy (DR). The Luminex magnetic bead assay was used to measure DR-related cytokines released into the culture medium.
H&#38;E staining revealed distinct retinal lamellae and compact nuclei in retinal explants with the underlying RPE-choroid and sclera, while retinas without the underlying structures exhibited reduced thickness and severe nuclei loss. IHC results indicated absence of apoptosis and retinal inflammation as well as preserved M&#252;ller cell integrity. The Luminex&#160;assays showed significantly increased secretion of DR-associated pro-inflammatory cytokines in retinal explants exposed to HG + Cyt relative to baseline levels at 24 h.
We successfully developed and characterized a novel HORC protocol in which retinal integrity was preserved without apoptosis or retinal inflammation. Moreover, the induced secretion of DR-associated pro-inflammatory biomarkers when exposing retinal explants to HG + Cyt suggests that this model could be used for clinically translatable retinal disease studies.

This study aims to develop a novel human organotypic retinal culture (HORC) model that prevents compromising retinal integrity during explant handling. This is achieved by culturing the retina with the overlying vitreous and the underlying retinal pigment&#160;epithelium-choroid (RPE-choroid) and sclera.

Previous human organotypic retinal culture (HORC) models have utilized detached retinas; however, without the structural support conferred by retinal ...