Regenerate the Brain (REGAIN) Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Regenerative Effects of Young Immortalized and Engineered MSC-Derived EVs on Aging and Senescent Brain Models
IRAS ID
331602
Contact name
Bettina Platt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Stem cells offer great hope for a wide range of disorders, including age-related brain disease such as dementia. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are special types of adult stem cells found in various tissues like the umbilical cord, placenta and bone marrow. These cells can develop into different cell types, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and neurones. They can promote healing, regulate the immune system and repair damaged tissues.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny, bubble-like structures released by MSCs, which help communication between tissues and organs by delivering specific instructions and regenerative substances. Therefore, MSC-EVs are thought to be responsible for many of beneficial effects.
Recent evidence suggests that specific properties of EVs depend on where the MSCs come from, how old the donor was, and the environment/conditions they are in. To better understand the best source of MSC-EVs for treating age-related brain diseases, we here plan to use placenta, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord tissues of consenting mothers, who are undergoing an elective Caesarean section. Such birth tissues are rich sources of stem cells and would normally be disposed off. We will here extract and analyse EVs and seek to identify the most effective ones for regenerating aged or damaged brain cells.
Once we identify the best source, we will seek to stabilise ("immortalize") the stem cells so that they offer a consistent source of effective MSC-EVs. Additionally, we aim to modify MSCs genetically or via exposure to regenerative compounds to enhance their therapeutic properties. Promising MSC-EVs will be tested on cell culture models of brain aging and disease to validate if they can repair damage or aid recovery.
Overall, the project aims to explore sources and properties of MSC-EVs that may offer new therapeutic ways to treat brain diseases.REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
24/SS/0068
Date of REC Opinion
7 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion