OVERVIEW
At Allarta I work at the interface of cell biology and biomaterials, with type 1 diabetes as our lead indication. Using our proprietary hydrogel technology we transplant donor and stem cell-derived islets into small and large animal models.
Hydrogels are a very versatile biomaterial and can be made from nearly any water-soluble substance. We use hydrogels to:
(I) Promote cell survival, function and differentiation after cell transplantation.
(II) Protect the cells from the immune system.
(II) Investigate human cells in 3D.
I lead the focus on these aspects:
Previously, I have developed biomaterials to guide axonal outgrowth, promote in vivo (stem) cell differentiation, and to deliver drugs (e.g., mRNA, growth factors, cytokines, and enzymes) locally. I differentiated human fetal and pluripotent stem cells into astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and different types of neurons (e.g., cortical neurons, spinal motor neurons) in vitro.
At Allarta I work at the interface of cell biology and biomaterials, with type 1 diabetes as our lead indication. Using our proprietary hydrogel technology we transplant donor and stem cell-derived islets into small and large animal models.
Hydrogels are a very versatile biomaterial and can be made from nearly any water-soluble substance. We use hydrogels to:
(I) Promote cell survival, function and differentiation after cell transplantation.
(II) Protect the cells from the immune system.
(II) Investigate human cells in 3D.
I lead the focus on these aspects:
- Stem cell-derived islets and scale up
- Encapsulated cell health
- Cell containment
- Immune evasion
Previously, I have developed biomaterials to guide axonal outgrowth, promote in vivo (stem) cell differentiation, and to deliver drugs (e.g., mRNA, growth factors, cytokines, and enzymes) locally. I differentiated human fetal and pluripotent stem cells into astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and different types of neurons (e.g., cortical neurons, spinal motor neurons) in vitro.
Great animation by Lesia Szyca (www.lesiaszyca.com) summarizing different treatment strategies the Shoichetlab followed.
PREVIOUSLY
In vivo differentiation with hydrogels Several inhibitory molecules that prevent axonal outgrowth also prevent neurogenesis and neuronal survival of transplanted cells. I investigated these factors (e.g. chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, Notch pathway, Rho/ROCK pathway) in regards to their ability to prevent or promote neurogenesis and axonal outgrowth in vivo. I found new routes to promote the formation of new relays within the injured spinal cord by promoting in vivo differentiation of motor neuron progenitor cells using a combinatorial approach.
Prior to that, I promoted the in vivo differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to prevent tumour formation. Nanoparticles I developed nanoparticles that show enhanced accumulation at blood clots. They can be used to deliver growth-promoting molecules to injury sites, while minimizing off target toxicity. Scaffolds Regenerating axons have to make new connections; however, appropriate targets have to be reached to elicit beneficial effects. Guiding the orientation of regenerating axons can help promote functional recovery by (I) allowing the regeneration across large gaps, and (II) connecting appropriate neurons with each other. Scaffolds can also be used to regenerate bone and use bone constructs to investigate bone metastasis. During my Ph.D. and at QUT I worked with different types of orientated materials: (I) Collagen scaffolds (developed by matricel) and (II) Poly(caprolactone) / collagen nanofibers. (III) Melt electrospun fibers These materials are able to orientate cell bodies and axons along their orientated pores/fibers. |
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