2016 Participants
Grace Dobbs
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of multipotent stromal (connective) cell found in the bone marrow. These cells can differentiate into many different cell types, and can produce various soluble factors which mediate tissue repair. They are also capable of regulating the inflammatory response, and for the purposes of this project we looked at use of these cells in asthma treatment. My project aimed to compare the fate of human MSCs and mouse MSCs when injected into an asthma mouse model. To track the MSCs inside the mouse we prepared DNA which would make the MSCs fluoresce. The results showed that the human MSCs localised to the lungs and suppressed airway inflammation. Then within 48 hours they were cleared. The research from these project experiments with mouse MSCs will be continued to see if they have a greater effect at reducing the hallmarks of asthma.
Funding source: Newcastle University (Research undertaken at Monash University, Australia)
Supervisor: Dr Tracey S.P. Heng