Coupling An Injectable Gel And MSC Microtissues To Enhance Cartilage Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,022.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of pain and disability in Australia. The OVERALL AIM of this project is to use a photo-activated hydrogel containing growth factors and stem cell-derived cartilage microtissues to repair cartilage defects. The gel and small diameter microtissues combination makes this innovative repair process compatible with less invasive and less costly orthoscopic surgical procedures. Effective cartilage defect repair will delay or prevent the onset of OA.
Cardiovascular diseases and heart failure rates are increasing worldwide. This is largely a result of the heart’s limited capacity for self-repair. Stem cells now provide an exciting potential novel therapy. We have recently demonstrated the feasibility of this therapy in a preclinical model of heart attack. Nevertheless, further work is required before human clinical trials can take place. This project will dismantle barriers preventing progression to these clinical trials.
Cultivated Corneal Endothelial Cell Implants For Restoring Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$886,032.00
Summary
Thousands of Australians each year receive a corneal tissue transplant from the eyes of a deceased organ donor. In the majority of cases these transplants are performed to restore structure and function to the most posterior layer of the cornea – the corneal endothelium. The reliance upon donor tissue, however, presents significant logistical and safety issues. Our goal is therefore to develop improved strategies for treating diseases of the corneal endothelium using cultivated tissue implants.
Kidney Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Tubular Development, Repair And Turnover
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$989,141.00
Summary
In Australia, 11.3% of deaths are associated with chronic kidney disease with >$1 billion per annum spent on treating this condition. At present, only dialysis and transplantation are available to treat end stage kidney disease. We have found a kidney stem cell population in both human and mouse that can form new epithelial structures. In this project, we will investigate the normal role played by these kidney stem cells and examine whether they can contribute to kidney regeneration.
Kidney Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Tubular Development, Repair And Turnover.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
In Australia, 11.3% of deaths are associated with chronic kidney disease with >$1 billion per annum spent on treating this condition. At present, only dialysis and transplantation are available to treat end stage kidney disease. We have found a kidney stem cell population in both human and mouse that can form new epithelial structures. In this project, we will investigate the normal role played by these kidney stem cells and examine whether they can contribute to kidney regeneration.
Reprogramming is the conversion of any cell into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). iPSC carry immense clinical potential as they are pluripotent and can hence form any cell of the human body, however, they can also form tumours. We have identified a cell type during reprogramming which is pluripotent but cannot form tumours. It is the aim of this project to determine the molecular differences between iPSC and this cell type in order to facilitate the delivery of cell replacement therapies.
Engineering The Second Generation Of Growth Factors And Cytokines For Regenerative Medicine Applications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$538,848.00
Summary
Growth factors and cytokines have a great potential for regenerative medicine applications. Yet, most of these molecules have failed to show efficacy in humans or raised major safety concerns, due to high dosing and inappropriate delivery systems. In this project, we seek to engineer the next generation of growth factors and cytokines to display much better effectiveness at low doses. We will directly impact applications for chronic wounds, skin scar prevention, and bone regeneration.
Cellular Therapy For Genetic Liver Disease Exploiting Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells And Liver Progenitor Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$797,185.00
Summary
It has recently become possible to genetically reprogram mature cell types in the body to become stem cells and then redirect them to become any other cell type desired. This technology has immense, but as yet unrealised, diagnostic and therapeutic potential. In this project we seek to develop cellular therapies for metabolic liver disease. Specifically, we plan to generate liver cells from skin cells and to test the therapeutic effectiveness of these cells by curing liver disease in mice.
Using Direct Reprogramming To Generate And Rejuvenate Haematopoietic Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,026,313.00
Summary
One of the greatest promises of regenerative medicine lies in our ability to reprogram any cell type of the body into any other cell type. Transdifferentiation is the conversion of one adult cell type to another and it is believed to be the next frontier in regenerative medicine therapies since it can be used in vivo for the direct conversion of one cell type into another. The outcomes of this grant will push the limits of these technologies to generate new regenerative medicine strategies.