Therapeutic/Technology: Therapeutic Approach
Injectable, autologous iPSC-based therapy for spinal cord injury
Research Objective We propose to develop and validate a therapy for spinal cord injuries in which human stem cell-derived neural cells is injected into the injured spinal cord using an injectable gel. Impact Our study will address the critical need for an SCI treatment that significantly improves the neurological recovery and hence quality of life […]
Optimization of a gene therapy for inherited erythromelalgia in iPSC-derived neurons
Research Objective The goal of this grant is to develop a gene therapy for a rare painful disorder, Inherited Erythromelalgia (IEM). Impact There are currently no FDA approved drugs for IEM, which is caused by a gain-of-function mutation in a sodium channel, Nav1.7. We propose epigenetic repression of Nav1.7 to provide a cure for IEM. […]
New noncoding RNA chemical entity for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Research Objective Modified synthetic noncoding RNA molecule Impact Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction Major Proposed Activities Lead optimization Perform extensive preclinical testing and select a therapeutic candidate. Develop and test preliminary potency assays based on mechanistic insights. Demonstration of injury-modifying bioactivity in a clinically-relevant human progenitor cell population. Optimize formulation and dosing for intravenous […]
Development of a new therapeutic for directing target specific stem cell migration and treatment
Research Objective A drug-stem cell combination therapy wherein the drug will direct and promote the delivery and distribution of stem cells to the disease site for the optimal therapeutic effect of the stem cells Impact Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the way to deliver and enhance stem cell-based treatment of ALS Major Proposed Activities Complete […]
Human iPSC-derived chimeric antigen receptor expressing macrophages for improved cancer treatment.
Research Objective These studies will produce a new CAR-targeted iPSC-derived macrophage-based cell therapy product for treatment of refractory malignancies such as ovarian cancer. Impact These studies eliminate a bottleneck in macrophage production and enable these cells to be engineered and manufactured in a standardized, off-the-shelf manner, rather than on a patient-specific basis. Major Proposed Activities […]
A universally applicable skin sheet for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa via next-generation gene editing, iPS cell technology and tissue engineering
Research Objective We will develop a cell therapy for a rare skin disease. Patient-derived iPS cells will be genetically corrected and differentiated into epithelial sheets to be grafted on skin wounds. Impact In this proposal we will develop a universal genetic correction strategy for all COL7A1 which will be a prerequisite for the commercial viability […]
AAV9-Cas13 gene therapy for Angelman syndrome
Research Objective AAV9-Cas13 gene therapy for Angelman syndrome using a first-in-kind mechanism of action that will safely and permanently restore expression of endogenous UBE3A that is deficient in CNS neurons. Impact Angelman syndrome is a rare (1 in 15,000 births) neurogenetic disorder caused by loss of UBE3A in the brain, causing severe developmental delay, ataxia […]
Hypoxia-specific Production of Exosomes from iPSC-derivatives for Myocardial Repair
Research Objective A lead therapeutic candidate will be selected: 1) exosomes from hypoxia-injured iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs), 2) exosomal miRNA cluster, and 3) siRNA inhibition of exosomal target gene, Notch3. Impact Effective targeted therapy to restore the injured and vulnerable myocardium is urgently needed to reduce the high mortality of HF patients. Promising discovery of iPSC […]
Small Molecules to inhibit Nemo-like Kinase for Treatment of Diamond Blackfan Anemia
Research Objective We propose to study small molecules that inhibit Nemo-like Kinase, to improve the production of red blood cells in bone marrow stem cells of children with Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). Impact If small molecule NLK inhibitors are identified that are effective in improving the anemia of DBA and nontoxic, then treatment and transfusions […]
Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to reverse radiation-induced brain injury
Research Objective These preclinical studies will discover the efficacy of stem cell-derived, nanoscale, extracellular vesicles (candidate) to treat adverse effects of cancer therapy on brain function and cognition. Impact Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles will address the confounders of stem cells (tumors, immunorejection, immunosuppression) & mitigate debilitating side-effects of cancer therapy on the brain. Major Proposed […]