Return to project list

Stem cell senescence and cardiovascular regeneration

Prof. Kurtz (first supervisor), Prof. Stamm (second supervisor); Charité

The scientific goals of this project are the age- and disease-related characterization of adult stem cells, the assessment of impact of stem cell ageing on heart regeneration in a novel model of heart regeneration, and the development of strategies to tailor clinical cell therapy studies according to individual patient conditions. The specific research project will focus on the specific characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells that influence their capacity in heart regeneration. This capacity appears to be variable and to depend on cell age, which impacts on immunological versus regenerative potency of the cells, as well as on patient conditions.

The aims of the initial research project are:

1. to analyze in detail stem cell characteristics on the functional and molecular level with respect to senescence and ageing
2. to develop an in vitro assay for myocardial regenerative capacities based on embryonic stem cell / iPSC differentiated heart spheres on cardiomuscular matrix
3. to study whether myocardial and circulating factors in patients with heart failure influence the regenerative capacities of stem cells in vitro
4. to investigate whether molecular and myocardial regenerative capacities in vitro are predictive in animal models of heart failure This project enables us to build capacities in comparative stem cell research with the aim to customize the design of preclinical and clinical trials according to the patient’s specific condition.