This research focuses on harnessing stem cell technologies to develop therapeutic strategies for heart disease, diabetes, and neurological disorders. By understanding stem cell differentiation, tissue integration, and therapeutic efficacy, we aim to advance regenerative medicine applications to treat these conditions.
Research Methodology
1. Stem Cell Source and Characterization
Isolation and Expansion of Human iPSCs and Adult Stem Cells
Techniques for extracting and culturing pluripotent and adult stem cells to establish cell lines for further study.
Characterization of Stem Cell Pluripotency Markers
Assessing stem cells for expression of specific proteins that indicate their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types.
2. Development of Disease-Specific Differentiation Protocols
Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from iPSCs
Protocols to direct iPSCs to become cardiomyocytes, potentially replacing damaged heart tissue.
Insulin-Producing Beta Cell Generation from Stem Cells
Creating pancreatic beta cells from stem cells to restore insulin production in diabetes patients.
Neuronal and Glial Cell Differentiation for Neurological Disorders
Generating neurons and glial cells from stem cells for treatments aimed at neurological conditions.
3. In Vitro Model Systems for Efficacy Testing
3D Cardiac Tissue Constructs for Functional Testing
Developing three-dimensional heart tissue models to test the function of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
Glucose Response Assays in Beta-like Cells
Evaluating the ability of stem cell-derived beta cells to properly respond to glucose levels.
Organotypic Cultures for Neurological Disorder Models
Creating brain-like tissue cultures to study the integration and function of stem cell-derived neuronal cells.
4. In Vivo Transplantation and Integration Studies
Animal Models for Heart Disease Treatment Evaluation
Using animal models to test the efficacy of stem cell therapies in treating heart disease.
Diabetes Mellitus Treatment Efficacy in Rodent Models
Assessing the effectiveness of stem cell-derived beta cells in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic rodents.
Neurological Disorder Functional Recovery in Animal Models
Examining the potential for stem cell-derived neuronal cells to promote recovery in models of neurological disease.
5. Safety and Immunogenicity Assessment
Immunohistochemistry for Graft Survival and Integration
Using immunohistochemistry to track the survival, integration, and potential immune response against transplanted stem cells.
Assessment of Immune Response to Transplanted Cells
Evaluating the immunogenicity of stem cell transplants to ensure they do not provoke adverse immune reactions.
6. Clinical Trial Preparation
Regulatory Documentation for Stem Cell Therapies
Preparing the necessary regulatory documentation to move stem cell therapies into clinical trials.
Clinical Protocol Development for Phase I Trials
Designing early-stage clinical trials to assess the safety and potential efficacy of stem cell-based treatments.
7. Ethical and Regulatory Compliance
Ethical Considerations in Stem Cell Therapy Development
Addressing ethical issues related to stem cell research and ensuring respectful and responsible use of these technologies.
Compliance with National and International Stem Cell Research Guidelines
Adhering to established guidelines and regulations governing stem cell research and therapy development.