Top 5 grants in regenerative medicine: June 2021

Written by RegMedNet

This month’s top grants in regenerative medicine, sourced from Dimensions, includes projects on: using stem cell-based technologies to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, chromatin dynamics and transcription in mitotic mESCs, developing multi-cue biomaterials for traumatic tissue injury, developing the skilled technical workforce for regenerative medicine biomanufacturing, and understanding the effects of flow on smooth muscle cells in an arteriole-sized microchannel.

Check out this month’s top grants in regenerative medicine:

 


Using stem cell-based technologies to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration

Researchers have developed a chimeric system for transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoids into the mouse brain, which they hope will serve as a powerful platform to study Alzheimer’s disease (AD) under a physiological environment. This project aims to understand the molecular and cellular aberrations underlying AD pathogenesis. To achieve this, the researchers propose that they will use a novel combination involving a chimeric model, iPSC-based patient-specific brain organoids, transcriptomics, epigenetics and genetic-editing approaches.

The team anticipate that this research will uncover novel molecular, cellular and functional mechanisms that govern AD pathology, and may provide a basis for developing future therapeutic strategies.

Funding amount: $USD2 million

Funding period: 1 June 2021–31 May 2026

Funder: European Research Council

Research organizations: Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel)

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ChroDynE: chromatin dynamics and transcription in mitotic mESCs

In this research proposal, the investigators hope to use a combination of state-of-the-art single-molecule imaging techniques, mathematical modeling and genome engineering to study mitotic bookmarking in stem cells.

The researchers aim to provide a quantitative description of the principles underpinning transcription factor activity in mitotic cells and investigate how they impinge upon the dynamic organization of chromatin and gene regulation throughout mitosis.

Funding amount: $USD624,000

Funding period: 20 June 2021–19 June 20215

Funder: National Agency for Research

Research organizations: Epic Institut Pasteur – Unité Epigénomique, Prolifération Et Identité Cellulaire (both France)

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Developing multi-cue biomaterials for traumatic tissue injury

This project seeks to develop a novel biomaterial scaffold with customized chemical, electrical and physical signaling to be provided to the injury site. Electrical signaling will be provided by movement of the scaffold, called piezoelectricity, or by targeted ‘on-demand’ ultrasound.

According to the investigators, this study will greatly aid in the development and characterization of piezoelectric biomaterials for the future, and particularly multi-function materials capable of providing customizable signals. By developing robust biomaterials with enhanced signaling capabilities that better replicate the native environment, this class of material has the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine and deliver countless future therapies from the lab to the clinic.

Funding amount: $USD450,000

Funding period: 15 June 2021–31 May 2024

Funder: Directoriate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences

Research organizations: University of Cincinnati (OH, USA)

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Developing the skilled technical workforce for regenerative medicine biomanufacturing in North Carolina

A 2019 National Science Board report stressed the critical need for an exceptional skilled technical workforce to ensure the success of the nation’s science- and engineering-driven industries. This project will serve the national interest by preparing skilled technical workers in regenerative medicine.

A significant gap in availability of skilled technicians in regenerative medicine biomanufacturing has been defined by identifying the required skills and the extent of the skills gap. To help fill this need, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine is partnering with Forsyth Technical Community College, Simon G Atkins High School, regional Historically Black Colleges and Universities, employers, and professional and trades organizations. This partnership intends to bring the new science and technology of regenerative medicine into the community college sector to ensure the nation prepares the needed regenerative medicine technicians.

Funding amount: $USD441,000

Funding period: 1 June 2021–31 May 2024

Funder: Directoriate for Education & Human Resources

Research organizations: Wake Forest University (NC, USA)

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Understanding the effects of flow on smooth muscle cells in an arteriole-sized microchannel

In this research proposal, the investigators hope to increase our understanding of regulating blood flow in engineered human tissue. The team hope to develop a technique for putting smooth muscle cells inside microscopic blood vessels in engineered tissue and coaxing these cells to organize and behave in a way that is similar to their behavior in natural tissue. They will then test to see whether the cells can adjust the diameter of the engineered microscopic blood vessels in a similar fashion.

The knowledge gained from these studies will add a critical capability to engineered tissue and will ultimately improve the lives of future patients implanted with tissue engineered materials.

Funding amount: $USD300,000

Funding period: 1 June 2021–31 May 2024

Funder: Directorate for Engineering

Research organizations: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (TN, USA)

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