2025 Corning 3D Cell Culture Summit

UCSD Moores Cancer Center

Presentation: KRAS Inhibition and Chemotherapy Resistance in PDAC Patient-derived Organoids

Abstract: Pancreatic cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are a valuable resource for translational studies. PDOs are 3D cultures embedded in Corning® Matrigel® matrix and grown in a bespoke growth factor media. Here we leverage PDOs to define novel therapeutic vulnerabilities.

Brainstorm Therapeutics

Presentation: Transforming CNS Drug Discovery: An AI-powered Human Brain Organoid Platform for Precision Medicine

Abstract: BrainStorm Therapeutics is transforming neurotherapeutic discovery by harnessing patient-derived brain organoids to model complex neurological diseases with unprecedented accuracy. Traditional animal and cell models often fail to capture the intricacies of human brain biology, limiting therapeutic success. Our platform generates 3D brain organoids from patient iPSCs that faithfully recapitulate disease-relevant cell types, neural circuits, and phenotypes, including dopaminergic neuron loss and lipid metabolism defects seen in Parkinson’s disease. These models serve as a foundation for high-content screening, transcriptomic profiling, and functional analysis, enabling us to uncover both generalizable and mutation-specific disease mechanisms. By layering in AI tools trained on multimodal biological data, we enhance our ability to map dysregulated pathways and prioritize therapeutic targets. Our “clinical trial in a dish” approach supports more predictive and patient-relevant drug testing, reducing cost and risk in early-stage R&D. We are extending this organoid-based platform to additional brain disorders like Rett Syndrome and CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, with the goal of delivering precision treatments rooted in human biology. Corning products: Spheroid microplates, various TC-treated or ULA plates, Corning® Matrigel® matrix.

Univ of California, San Diego, Moores Cancer Center

Presentation: Modeling tumor invasion using 3D Hydrogel/Matrigel organoids cultures 

Abstract: Extracellular matrix plays critical roles in regulating tumor invasion and metastasis. We use various Matrigel-based 3D culture systems to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis. To study how extracellular matrix stiffness controls tumor invasion, we culture breast cancer cell-derived and patient-derived organoids in a 3D Matrigel/Hydrogel overlay system with calibrated elastic moduli ranging from 150-320Pa present in normal human breast tissues to 1100-5700Pa observed in some stiff breast tumors. To study how epithelial polarity restricts cell invasion, we culture colon cancer cell-derived organoids and primary mouse mammary ductal organoids in 3D Matrigel culture. These various Matrigel-based 3D culture systems better mimic the biochemical and mechanical cues present in physiological conditions to study tumor invasion and metastasis.

Cedars Sinai Medical Center

Presentation: Advancing Cardiovascular and Space Biosciences Using iPSC-derived Cardiac Spheroids and Organoids in 3D Culture Systems

Abstract: At the Sharma Lab (Cedars-Sinai), we leverage 3D spheroid and organoid models to investigate human cardiac development, drug-induced cardiotoxicity, and stem cell differentiation under terrestrial and microgravity conditions. Our in-house generated cardiac organoids and spheroids, comprising iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, serve as robust models for developmental studies and high-sensitivity cardiotoxicity screening. Using agents such as doxorubicin and its less toxic analog, Spedox, we have demonstrated the reproducibility and responsiveness of our models in U-bottom, low-adhesion plates and recently transitioned to Corning’s® Elplasia® plates for improved uniformity and scalability. In collaboration with vascular biology teams, we are also exploring the fusion of separately patterned cardiac and endothelial spheroids to model vascularization dynamics. Further, our lab integrates space biosciences by sending cardiac and neural spheroids into orbit to study iPSC differentiation, vascularization, and functional maturation in microgravity. These high-throughput spaceflight investigations rely on robust ground controls prepared in Corning 3D culture systems, which have proven essential for consistency and translational insight. This talk will highlight our methodologies, key findings, and the pivotal role of Corning’s 3D platforms in enabling both Earth-based and space-based tissue engineering research.

Corning Life Sciences

Presentation: Mastering the Third Dimension: Tools, Tips and Tricks for Optimizing 3D Cell Culture Models

Abstract: In the last several years, many research publications have shown increased value of using 3D cell models compared to traditional 2D systems. Although considered by many as a more representative model of in vivo biology, setup of 3D models can be more challenging, especially when the throughput is further increased.  Furthermore, 3D cell culture models are varied and diverse, often making it difficult to choose the best technology for your application. The right tool often depends on the study goals and desired objective.

During this presentation, you’ll learn about the variety of tools available for working with 3D cultures and helpful tips and tricks for improving spheroid and organoid formation, handling, and processing.

Corning Life Sciences

Presentation: Sustainability in the Lab with Corning

Abstract: From drug discovery to therapies, single-use plastics are critical for advancing the life science industry. In an space where quality, sterility, and performance are critical –– plastic consumables are easiest to come by, and often necessary for customer workflows. This talk explores how Corning can help researchers adopt sustainable practices without compromising innovation and providing transparency. We’ll showcase initiatives like the Corning Recycles program, Corning EcoChoice™, and sustainable product workflows.

Chief Scientific Officer, FibroBiologics

Presentation: Fibroblast Spheroids and Fibroblast-supported Organoids as Potential Therapeutic Modalities

Abstract: Fibroblasts as one of the most prevalent cells in the human body, play critical roles in wound healing, tissue regeneration, secretion and maintenance of the extracellular matrix, maintenance of multi-organ stem cell niches, and modulating the immune system. However, to date, they have not been utilized as a potential therapeutic. At FibroBiologics, we are taking advantage of the natural characteristics of these multi-potent cells as spheroids and fibroblast-supported organoids to develop therapeutics for the treatment of chronic wounds, degenerative disc disease, and autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and diabetes. In this presentation I will briefly go through our pre-clinical data on the use of topically administered fibroblast spheroids for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and intravenously administered fibroblast spheroids for the treatment of psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. In our development work, we have made significant use of the Corning® Elplasia® plates for generating consistently sized fibroblast spheroids for our pre-clinical experiments in addition to scaling up spheroid production for our upcoming phase I/II diabetic foot ulcer clinical trial.

Assistant Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center

Presentation: Functional Genomics and CRISPR Screens in Human Gastric Cancer Organoids

Abstract: We use CRISPR/Cas9-engineered primary human gastric organoids to model key aspects of tumor biology, enabling precise investigation of how specific genomic alterations drive cancer initiation and progression. By integrating large-scale CRISPR-based genetic screens, we systematically map gene–drug interactions and uncover genetic determinants of therapeutic response and resistance. These approaches allow the identification of potential biomarkers and drug targets that may not be apparent in traditional 2D cell culture models. Ultimately, this work advances our understanding of cancer biology in a physiologically relevant functional genomics platform and supports the development of more effective, personalized treatment strategies.

Vanderbilt University

Presentation: Changing Paradigms: Reshaping the Landscape of Metastatic Disease with 3D Organoid Models

Abstract: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States and worldwide. Strikingly, nearly half of all lung cancers are diagnosed at a distant stage. Furthermore, as many as 60% of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients and 40% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients will develop brain metastases over the course of their disease. Despite an initial favorable response of some primary lung tumors to first-line therapy, brain metastases pose formidable hurdles to standard of care treatments and are frequently resistant to commonly employed therapeutic options. Using Corning® Matrigel® matrix and Corning 96-well clear round bottom Ultra-Low Attachment microplates, we have created 3D organoid models of the human lung and brain to capture both tumor-tumor and host-tumor interactions that underlie general principles of brain metastasis in SCLC and NSCLC.

Scripps Research, University of Florida

Presentation: Advancing Cardiovascular and Space Biosciences Using iPSC-derived Cardiac Spheroids and Organoids in 3D Culture Systems

Abstract: The application of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model has significantly advanced in cell biology and high throughput screening (HTS), offering more physiologically relevant approaches for personalized medicine. In my lab, I have successfully screened 3D spheroids patient-derived primary tumor cancer in highly miniaturized Corning 1536-well plate format against 194-NCI approved oncology drugs using scaffold-free methods. This presentation will focus on different 3D cell culture models such as glioblastoma, metastatic melanoma, breast tumor, and rare canine cancers. Our results provide drug efficacy in only 72 hours, potentially leading to more personalized and effective treatment for recurrent glioblastoma and metastatic melanoma. HTS results are currently being validating in vivo, using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) drug combination models applied through Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT). The outcomes will be used to conduct a clinical trial.

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Background: Transforming CNS Drug Discovery: An AI-powered Human Brain Organoid Platform for Precision Medicine

Panelist

Senior Support Scientist, Corning Life Sciences

Presentation: Mastering the Third Dimension: Tools, Tips and Tricks for Optimizing 3D Cell Culture Models

Abstract: In the last several years, many research publications have shown increased value of using 3D cell models compared to traditional 2D systems. Although considered by many as a more representative model of in vivo biology, setup of 3D models can be more challenging, especially when the throughput is further increased.  Furthermore, #D cell culture models are varied and diverse, often making it difficult to choose the best technology for your application. The right tool often depends on the study goals and desired objective.

During this presentation, you’ll learn about the variety of tools available for working with 3D cultures and helpful tips and tricks for improving spheroid and organoid formation, handling, and processing.

University of Manitoba

Presentation: Inhibition of the Cellular Base Excision Repair Pathway (BER) Counteracts Temozolomide (TMZ)-Resistant Glioblastoma (GBM)

Abstract: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant brain tumour in adults. Despite the standard of care treatment of surgery, radiation therapy and Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, GBM frequently recurs in a drug-resistant form. Inhibition of the hyperactive Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway, with existing or newly developed inhibitors, may be a way to resensitize resistant GBM to the DNA alkylation damage of TMZ. Patient-derived Brain Tumor Initiating Cells (BTICs) were used as our GBM model. BTICs were cultured and treated with increasing concentrations of Temozolomide (TMZ) alone or in combination with various inhibitors targeting the Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway. DNA damage was assessed using our novel high-throughput alkaline 3-D comet assay, while self-renewal and proliferation capacities were evaluated through sphere formation, cell viability, and serial-replating assays. Using these patient-derived 3-D culture model system, our study suggests that targeting the BER repair pathway can effectively re-sensitize TMZ-resistant BTICs, which provides a promising strategy to overcome therapeutics resistance in GBM. Corning products used: Corning Spheroid Microplates, Corning/Costar Ultra-Low Attachment Culture Dishes and microplates, Corning 96-well Black Round Bottom Polystyrene Ultra-Low Attachment Microplate

Corning Life Sciences

Presentation: Mastering the Third Dimension: Tools, Tips and Tricks for Optimizing 3D Cell Culture Models

Abstract: In the last several years, many research publications have shown increased value of using 3D cell models compared to traditional 2D systems. Although considered by many as a more representative model of in vivo biology, setup of 3D models can be more challenging, especially when the throughput is further increased.  Furthermore, 3D cell culture models are varied and diverse, often making it difficult to choose the best technology for your application. The right tool often depends on the study goals and desired objective.

During this presentation, you’ll learn about the variety of tools available for working with 3D cultures and helpful tips and tricks for improving spheroid and organoid formation, handling, and processing.

Agilent Technologies

Presentation: Function + Structure + Mechanism: Quantitative 3D Biology on a Hybrid Imaging Multimode Reader Platform

Abstract: 3D biological models demand depth-resolved imaging, kinetic live-cell control, and robust quantification – without sacrificing throughput. This seminar presents a multidisciplinary workflow on a single hybrid platform that unites multimode microplate detection with widefield and spinning-disk confocal imaging, environmental control, and automation. We show how the technological innovation offered by the Agilent BioTek Cytation platform and Gen5 quantitative metrics enable end-to-end 3D studies across spheroids, organoids, immune co-cultures, and related preparations. We begin with the optical and hardware advances that make thick biology tractable, then pair them with practical automation for stable, long-term assays. Case studies include NK- and T-cell cytotoxicity against 3D tumoroids with z-stacked apoptosis/necrosis quantification; label-free tumour invasion in Matrigel, high-throughput cell migration (Oris), and 3D-bioprinted spheroids; confocal enumeration of spheroid cell number/viability and organ-on-a-chip intestinal tubules; autophagy/mitochondrial puncta analysis, calcium-flux kinetics, plaque assays, and whole-mount zebrafish and retinal vasculature imaging. Attendees will leave with transferable, plate-centric methods for 3D biology that couple functional readouts with structural context – accelerating discovery by moving seamlessly from mechanism to phenotype on a single, scalable platform.

University Health Network

Presentation: Delivering High-Quality PDO Models to the Cancer Research Community

Abstract: The Princess Margaret Living Biobank (PMLB) has established a robust Organoid Core that provides renewable, clinically relevant patient-derived organoids to accelerate cancer research. Through standardized protocols for patient-derived organoid (PDO) generation, quality control, and molecular characterization, PMLB ensures high reproducibility and reliability across tumor types. Key challenges in organoid generation—such as variable success rates across cancer types, specimen quality, and normal cell outgrowth—will be addressed through standardized approaches and integrated quality assessment. The presentation will also showcase how PMLB integrates with multi-core platforms, supports preclinical drug screening, and fosters collaborations with academic and industry partners. By emphasizing standardization and accessibility, the PMLB Organoid Core aims to advance translational cancer research and deliver meaningful benefits to the broader research community.

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

Presentation: Identifying novel vulnerabilities in Colorectal and Lung PDOs using CRISPR KO with recombinant Cas9 protein

Abstract: Patient-derived organoid (PDO) models are powerful 3D cultures that closely mimic the cellular architecture and genetic landscape of patient tumors, providing a relevant platform for studying cancer biology and therapeutic response. Coupling PDOs with CRISPR allows for the systematic identification of cancer-specific vulnerabilities. Using recombinant Cas9 protein for genome editing offers a more efficient and less disruptive alternative to generating stable Cas9-expressing cell lines, especially in fragile primary models like PDOs. We have developed an optimization platform to successfully KO genes using recombinant Cas9 using electroporation, yielding a KO efficiency of >80%. Combined with our real-time imaging platform, we have been able to demonstrate how KO of our genes of interest significantly disrupt growth of our PDO models.

Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Presentation: Physical Confinement Alters Cellular Dynamics from the Multi-Cellular to the Single-Cell Scale

Abstract: Physical confinement refers to the mechanical forces that constrain dynamic cellular processes. We propose that physical confinement is defined by the compressive stresses exerted on cells during processes like migration and growth. We focus on two distinct in vitro models where we study confinement 1) of multi-cellular pancreatic ductal organoids grown in 3D, engineered hydrogels and 2) of single macrophages migrating through ductal cell junctions. Recently, we identified the differential effects of confinement on healthy and tumor-derived ductal organoids. By challenging organoid growth with a confining, engineered 3D hydrogel and Corning® Matrigel® matrix composite, we discovered two emergent collective cell behaviors in murine pancreatic ductal organoid models.

Tumor-derived organoids exhibited a collective “pulsing” behavior that increased in frequency when confined and generated radially persistent forces that locally rearranged the microenvironment in the direction of organoid growth. In contrast, healthy organoids exhibit unidirectional rotation, generating more subtle rotational movements in the microenvironment orthogonal to the direction of growth. When confined, we found tumor-derived organoids grew at similar rates as in less confined conditions while normal organoid grew much more slowly and failed to establish proper apicobasal polarity.

Organoid Facility Manager, Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Presentation: Optimizing Patient-derived Organoid Platforms for High-Throughput Pharmacotyping

Abstract: Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are the avatars of cancer growing in the lab. PDOs can be used in clinical settings to establish personalized cancer treatments. However, the speed and success rate of validated PDO establishment are major limiting factors for pancreatic cancer. Performing pharmacotyping on PDO cultures within a clinically suitable timeframe is challenging. Miniaturization of pharmacotyping assays helps test multiple chemotherapeutic compounds using minimal cells from PDO culture. Using 1536-well plates enables a 16-fold miniaturization compared to traditional 96-well plates. This high-throughput miniaturization presents its own set of challenges, which can be overcome using various liquid handling technologies. Further validating PDO cultures using dd-PCR could prevent normal outgrowth. Also, in vitro modeling of stromal TME in pancreas cancer is possible with PDO-CAFs co-cultures. With these advances, pharmacotyping test on PDOs can be feasible within an appropriate clinical timeframe.

Researcher, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Presentation: The Potential of Patient-derived Organoids in Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract: Our work uses patient-derived organoids (PDOs) to model pancreatic cancer tumors, as PDOs retain key genomic, molecular, and clonality characteristics of the patient. In our laboratory, their pharmacotyping and next-generation sequencing yield results on drug sensitivity and resistance that are applicable in clinical and academic research. This includes screening novel therapeutic compounds, such as RAS inhibitors. This presentation will discuss our standard workflow from organoid generation to pharmacotyping and highlight the various projects that implement these data, including the PASS-01 clinical trial and the New York Genome Center Polyethnic-1000 project. Furthermore, it will introduce data from our recent drug screens against our novel attempts at growing organoids from pre-cancerous lesions to understand disease progression and our new High Content Imaging pipeline for drug screening and co-culture assays with fibroblasts.

Professor, Associate Director, Center for Pathogen Research, University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Presentation: Organoid-Microbe Coculture Model to Develop Personalized Therapies in Chronic Diseases

Abstract: Gut microbes are linked to infections, gastro-intestinal diseases, and other chronic diseases. It is essential to develop a disease model that mimics physiological conditions and is closer to humans than the existing animal models. Utilizing the recent developments in stem-cell biology, we have developed a “gut-in-a-dish” model that utilizes patient-derived-organoids and microbes associated with the disease. Besides the influences of genetic factors and the changes in microbial populations, diet and environmental factors also impact the disease outcome; however, their roles are not completely known. To address this, we have predicted gene signatures using our computational disease model that are validated by experimental approaches with organoid-microbe coculture model. In inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, our gut-in-a-dish model is used in identifying key cellular pathways and in the development of new personalized therapies by screening drugs and gene editing.

Technical Director of the Organoid and Cell Culture Core, Columbia University

Presentation: Modeling Malignant Transformation of Aero-upper Digestive Epithelia in 3D Organoids and High-Throughput Drug Screening

Abstract: We model preneoplasia and cancer in murine- and patient-derived organoids grown in Corning® Matrigel® matrix, which recapitulate pathological epithelial changes of the aero-upper digestive tract. These organoids encapsulate progressive morphological and molecular changes of the original tissues during carcinogenesis as captured by growth kinetics, histopathology, gene expression and mutations. We have developed an unprecedented large scale drug screening protocol to screen over 10,000 bioactive compounds. By testing 7 independent PDO lines, we have identified 220 drugs that killed the majority and identified molecular targets and pathways (e.g., proteasome, epigenetics, cell cycle, BCL2, NF-kB, and various kinases) essential in the pathogenesis of these cancers. These high hitters included FDA-approved compounds that displayed IC₅₀ values lower than the Cmax, the highest concentration in the patients’ blood, thus deemed promising if used in patients. Additionally, we have identified drugs that specifically killed cancer but not normal cells in PDO, disclosing cancer cell-specific vulnerability. Amongst such drugs were those targeting DNA damage response (DDR), such as ATR inhibitors. Further studies have suggested that cancer cells show increasing dependence on ATR for survival during carcinogenesis. Finally, PDO-based drug screening revealed differential drug responses of individual PDO lines to various drugs, reinforcing the utility of PDO as a tool predict therapy response.

Professor of Medicine at Columbia University

Presentation: Modeling Eosinophilic Esophagitis in 3D Esophageal Organoids

Abstract: Reactive epithelial changes are linked to the pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a Th2 cytokine-mediated chronic inflammatory disorder, affecting both adults and children. The reactive epithelial change, also known as basal cell hyperplasia (BCH), is characterized by disruption of the proliferation-differentiation gradient of the normal squamous epithelium in the esophagus. EoE-related BCH is linked to cytokine-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. We have modeled EoE-related BCH in patient- and mouse-derived organoids (PDO and MDO) which recapitulate morphological and functional changes in the original tissues. Utilizing MDO grown in Matrigel matrix, coupled with genetically engineered mouse models of EoE, we identify a unique esophageal cell population that is responsible for BCH. Furthermore, CRISPR interference in MDO lines generated from dCas9 knock-in mice permitted genetic screening to identify PGC1A, the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, as essential in the pathogenesis of EoE-related BCH and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, omeprazole, the first-line EoE treatment, alleviated mitochondrial damage and dysfunction in EoE-related BCH modeled in MDO and PDO. These organoids serve as a robust experimental platform to gain insights into the pathogenesis of benign esophageal diseases and explore novel therapies.

Population Geneticist, Molecular Devices

Presentation: Tackling Complexity in 3D Culture: How Automation Improves Efficiency and Consistency When Culturing Complex, 3D Models

Abstract: As the use of complex, 3D biological models become more widespread, the challenges associated with culturing and analyzing these systems are increasingly evident. These workflows are not only technically demanding—often requiring specialized labware and reagents—but also significantly more labor-intensive than traditional methods. Given the limitations in space and skilled personnel, relying solely on manual processes is no longer sustainable. In this talk, we will examine the unique demands of working with 3D models and demonstrate how purpose-built automation can enhance operational efficiency, improve reproducibility, and enable broader adoption of these advanced systems.

Senior Scientist, Corning Life Sciences

Presentation: Mastering the Third Dimension: Tools, Tips and Tricks for Optimizing 3D Cell Culture Models

Abstract: In the last several years, many research publications have shown increased value of using 3D cell models compared to traditional 2D systems. Although considered by many as a more representative model of in vivo biology, setup of 3D models can be more challenging, especially when the throughput is further increased. Furthermore, 3D cell culture models are varied and diverse, often making it difficult to choose the best technology for your application. The right tool often depends on the study goals and desired objective.

During this presentation, you’ll learn about the variety of tools available for working with 3D cultures and helpful tips and tricks for improving spheroid and organoid formation, handling, and processing.