Stem cells have emerged as a key element in translational research to identify innovative therapies due to their inherent ability to provide regenerative effects, thereby providing promising results for degenerative diseases and traumatic injuries. A recent paradigm shift has emerged suggesting that the beneficial effects of stem cells may not be restricted to cell restoration alone, but also due to their transient paracrine actions. The paracrine activity is mediated by the cell secretome, intended as the mix of protein factors and extracellular vesicles, released by different types of fetal and adult stem/progenitor cells
Definition and evaluation of the paracrine potential of the secretome, and in particular of the extracellular vesicles within it, as derived by human amniotic fluid stem and progenitor cells, for cardioprotective approaches, and stimulation of endogenous regenerative mechanisms in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue, in preclinical models of ischemic and inflammatory diseases, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and cancer-related cachexia.
Scientists: Bollini S.
Analysis of the anti-fibrotic potential of extracellular vesicles secreted by perinatal progenitor cells in models of cardiac fibrosis using organ-on-chip systems, and for the optimization of in vitro direct reprogramming techniques to convert fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes.
Optimization of a 3D in vitro culture system for human perinatal progenitor cells in order to enhance the paracrine profile of their secretome fractions.
Scientists: Bollini S.
Therapeutic exploitation of extracellular vesicles for the regeneration of marginal organs in transplantation. Study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-regenerative effects of extracellular vesicles released by stem cells, with particular focus on ischemic injury repair and the modulation of inflammatory and senescence processes in marginal donors
Scientists: Bruschi M.
Culture of adult stem cells in specific bioreactors, characterization of their secretome and study of extracellular vesicles released by stem cells and induced pluripotent cells (iPS).
Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and redox-modulating effects of extracellular vesicles secreted by progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo models of osteoarthrosis.
Scientists: Gentili C.
Study of the microenvironment for the maintenance of stemness by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), and evaluation of the role of the role of BMSC secretome in the neoplastic microenvironment, with particular focus on chronic lymphatic leukemia
Scientists: Giannoni P., Quarto R.