Organoid-based metabolomic screening platform for compound testing and hormone response analysis
A novel human organoid model that enables screening of compounds for hormone and neuroendocrine metabolite responses. The platform uses airway organoid cultures analyzed by mass spectrometry to detect bioactive cellular secretions, supporting metabolomic screening of compound libraries.
Overview
This solution offers a metabolomic screening platform built on human airway organoid cell cultures that can be used to evaluate whether active compounds trigger hormone or neuroendocrine-associated responses. By measuring what cells secrete into their microenvironment after compound exposure, the platform provides a physiologically relevant readout of cellular activity. It is designed to support compound library screening, candidate selection, and mechanistic studies for researchers and industry partners developing therapeutics, nutraceuticals, or consumer health products.
Technical specifications
- Cell models: Primary human airway organoids cultured in both three-dimensional organoid and monolayer formats, with two independent preparations available to support replicate testing.
- Readout: Spent culture media are analyzed by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) in both negative (ESI-) and positive (ESI+) ionization modes to capture a broad range of metabolites.
- Reference standards: Melatonin and cortisol standards are injected as reference analytes to benchmark neuroendocrine-associated metabolite detection.
- Workflow: Test compounds are applied to organoid cultures; secreted metabolites are collected from spent media and profiled against reference standards to identify hormone-like responses.
- Flexibility: The system can be adapted to test trial compounds individually or to screen larger compound libraries on a paid basis.
Technology readiness level
The platform has been validated through initial experiments showing that airway organoid preparations secrete neuroendocrine-associated metabolites into their culture microenvironment, as confirmed by mass spectrometry analysis. The team is ready to test trial compounds and is prepared to offer paid screening services for compound libraries of interest to partners.
About University of California, Davis
UC Davis is a comprehensive public research university in Northern California, combining a land-grant heritage with an integrated academic health system and a veterinary teaching hospital. Industry engages through co-located clinical and translational facilities in Sacramento, a campus-adjacent research park, pilot-scale food and bioprocessing facilities, and a statewide extension network for field-to-market deployment. Proximity to the Bay Area and California's Central Valley enables rapid collaboration with startups and established enterprises, while corporate relations staff streamline access to faculty, talent, and core labs. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support programs provide IP management, licensing, and startup formation pathways for industry partnerships.
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