Therapeutic/Technology: Therapeutic Approach
Human Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells: Developing a Novel Drug for Cancer Eradication
Research Objective We will use human pancreatic cancer (PC) stem cells to show 1 inhibits proliferation, self-renewal and cell viability. This paradigm is transformational for anti-cancer drug discovery for patients. Impact Pancreatic cancer (PC) kills >40,000/yr in the US. PC is a major unmet medical need. Use of PC stem cells in development of 1 […]
Development of treatments to improve healing of ischemic wounds
Research Objective We aim to develop an angiogenic proteoglycan mimic that will protect tissue from rapid degradation, and in conjunction with EPCs promote angiogenesis in order to accelerate ischemic wound healing. Impact As a treatment, LXW7-DS-SILY combined with a collagen scaffold and EPCs will accelerate healing of ischemic diabetic foot ulcers and reduce limb amputation […]
An exosome-based translational strategy to mitigate Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology
Research Objective These studies will determine whether stem cell derived exosomes (nano-scale vesicles) can be used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Impact Our stem cell-derived exosome therapy will provide a viable approach to ameliorate the relentless progression of AD that severely impacts quality of life for millions of patients and their families. […]
Prodrug innovation to target muscle stem cells and enhance muscle regeneration
Research Objective To target therapeutics to muscle stem cells, the building blocks of skeletal muscle. Impact Drugs, genes and gene editing strategies can be delivered directly to muscle stem cells to alleviate disease. Major Proposed Activities Synthetic peptides based on the ectodomains of Myomaker will be synthesized, with a fluorophore conjugated for tracking. Alternatively, anti-Myomaker […]
Hypo-immunogenic cardiac patches for myocardial regeneration
Research Objective To engineer a cardiac patch to restore function after a heart attack while avoiding an immune response (“hypo-immunogeneic” CP) when transplanted into a genetically distinct (“allogenic”) individual. Impact By making hypo-immunogeneic CPs and functional cardiac cells (induced pluripotent stem, “iPS” cells) available to commercial/research entities, our study can fuel the transformation of healthcare. […]
A Novel Tissue Engineering Technique to Repair Degenerated Retina
Research Objective Transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived retina organoids (hESC-RO) together with hESC derived retinal pigment epithelium (hESC-RPE) to treat advanced retinal degeneration diseases Impact Based on the ‘proof of concept’ experiments in animal models, this novel approach can be translated into a therapeutic product for the treatment of advanced human retinal […]
Developing a personalized approach to beta cell replacement for patients with a genetic form of diabetes
Research Objective To correct a gene mutation in a patient's stem cells and produce functional replacement cells for the patient to cure their diabetes. Impact WE expect that this project can serve as a model for developing new treatments for patients with certain forms of genetic diabetes. Major Proposed Activities To understand how the patient's […]
Embryonic Stem Cells for Corneal Endothelial Degeneration
Research Objective The proposed studies will determine the optimal approaches to differentiate and transplant stem cell-derived corneal endothelial cells. Impact These data will provide foundational proof-of-concept data that will allow the rapid advance of a cell therapy towards clinical application. Major Proposed Activities Determine optimal conditions to generate human corneal endothelial cells from human stem […]
Reverse transcriptase inhibitors as a novel therapeutic approach for neurological autoimmune disorders
Research Objective We found that approved anti-retroviral drugs could stop inflammation and block neurodegeneration. We propose to validate the re-purpose efficacy of these clinically-approved retroviral drugs. Impact We have identified an unexpected cause to a brain inflammation and a potential simple treatment. Our research could help millions of patients affected by a broad range neuro-immunological […]
Targeting progenitors in scar tissue to reduce chronic scar burden
Research Objective Develop novel strategies to treat heart scars by targeting progenitors that replenish scars Impact There currently is no therapy for treating scar tissue in the heart or any other organ. Our proposal would lead to the development of targeted approaches to reduce scar burden. Major Proposed Activities Identify progenitors in scar tissue (murine […]