Description
Stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI) are the two leading causes of morbidity and mortality which affect the quality of life of millions of people worldwide and carry significant socioeconomic costs. The primary aim of this project is to develop novel strategies for the treatment of stroke and SCI using a combination of advanced biomaterial science with stem cell therapy. The main objectives of the project include: (i) Optimisation of biopolymer-based matrices for enhanced stem cell graft survival and function in the treatment of experimental stroke and SCI; (ii) Assessment of the regenerative effects of the above through rehabilitation and behavioural testing of treated animals; (iii) Application of advanced imaging technologies, including in vivo MRI and ultrasound (iv) Correlation of (ii) and (iii) with histological findings and post-mortem whole brain optical imaging to assess axonal and synaptic plasticity in response to treatment; (v) Integration of the above objectives towards identifying common therapeutic strategies with a translational potential applicable to clinical medicine.
Summary of project results
The project focused on the development of new strategies for the treatment of stroke and spinal cord injury using a combination of stem cells, innovative biomaterials and advanced imaging technologies to help monitor the effects of treatment. We aimed to optimize biomaterials for their use as cell carriers in the damaged nervous tissue after stroke or spinal cord injury. We have developed new rehabilitation techniques that have been used to assess the degree of regeneration in experimental animals, and we have also explored the possibility of engaging advanced imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, in the assessment of stroke and spinal cord injury. Further, we have modified and optimized special protocols to clear ex vivo tissue so we can observe neural connections and regenerating fibers to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. The outcome of our project are 10 scientific publications describing the use of various stem cell types in spinal cord injury or in stroke treatment and characterization of various biomaterials as cell carriers. The highest therapeutic potential was found in neural precursors derived from induced pluripotent cells and the best cell carriers were biomaterials based on decellularized tissue or hyaluronic acid. We also developed contrast agents suitable for labeling of living cells and new techniques for diagnosis and imaging of damaged tissue by magnetic resonance.
Summary of bilateral results
We optimized and tested natural biodegradable hydrogels from decellularized tissue and hyaluronic acid. We tested the therapeutic potential of neural progenitors derived from induced pluripotent cells and mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton jelly. New contrast agents for cell labelling and stroke assessment were developed. Tissue was cleared to observe axon regeneration in both injuries. 10 publications with IF. We recognized that rehabilitation using laser therapy supports regeneration after spinal cord injury, which can be used for the treatment of patients. Hyaluronic acid based hydrogels were developed in collaboration with Contipro a.s. company under conditions, which can be translated into human medicine. Joint publications, new techniques for nervous injury assessment, new techniques for tissue clearing and imaging. Optimization of Scales protocol for clearing nervous tissue, alginate hydrogels for cell-polymer constructs. We shared know-how, cells, materials, exchanged students and published 2 joint publications and further are in preparation. New relations, exchange of students.