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Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Of Neuronal Repair By Olfactory Ensheathing Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$218,250.00
Summary
Traumatic injury to the human brain and spinal cord often results in permanent disability. A major reason is that nerve fibres which act as cables connecting different parts of the nervous system are injured and fail to regrow. Failure of adequate repair is due to the fact that the central nervous system is a hostile environment, lacking in growth promoting stimuli and instead possessing growth inhibitory properties. One of the experimental methods used to alter this environment is the transplan ....Traumatic injury to the human brain and spinal cord often results in permanent disability. A major reason is that nerve fibres which act as cables connecting different parts of the nervous system are injured and fail to regrow. Failure of adequate repair is due to the fact that the central nervous system is a hostile environment, lacking in growth promoting stimuli and instead possessing growth inhibitory properties. One of the experimental methods used to alter this environment is the transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells into the injury site. Ensheathing cells normally support the nerve fibres involved in the sense of smell. Tissue culture studies show that these cells produce on their surface specific types of molecules as well as soluble growth factors that could interact with nerve fibres to promote growth. Although experiments in which ensheathing cells have been injected into rat spinal cords, have resulted in varying degrees of recovery, the question of how they are able to do this remains unknown. The study proposed here will use tissue culture and in vivo models to investigate how ensheathing cells interact with their surrounding cells. In particular we will examine how soluble factors and direct membrane contact contribute to the regeneration of nerve fibres. We will also examine the effects that ensheathing cells have on non-neuronal cells such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and vice-versa. A significant outcome of this project is new insight into the complex cellular interaction that occurs to bring about repair in the central nervous system. The findings will pave the way for the future development of olfactory ensheathing cells as an effective therapeutic agent of nerve repair. This could also include genetic manipulation of ensheathing cells such that their properties are optimised specifically to promote regrowth of nerve fibres.Read moreRead less
Improved Ex-vivo Culture Of Keratinocytes For Clinical Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$275,203.00
Summary
Skin cells grown for clinical applications currently require animal-derived cells and-or non-defined products for their expansion in the laboratory; these reagents can potentially infect patients who receive these therapies. This project will identify the essential components provided by these reagents and develop a fully synthetic and defined culture system. This improvement will provide safer, cost-effective grafts and cell-based therapies that will benefit patients suffering burns and wounds.