Project 1: Investigating the role of FAM198b in angiogenesis, tumourgenesis and wound repairandProject 2: Isolation and culture of mesenchymal stem cells for craniofacial tissue regeneration

[摘要] Project 1 Abstract: The short project detailed in this paper explores the role of Family with sequence similarity 198, member B (FAM198b) in angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is a complex process where many genes are involved in regulating the process of new blood vessel growth. Angiogenesis is a natural component in wound healing, but can be hijacked and contribute to tumourgenesis. Anti-angiogenic drugs have been proven to increase the survival probability of cancer patients with solid tumours. The current anti-angiogenic drugs have been targeted to proteins involved in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathway. However tumours in many cancer patients have developed resistance to these therapies. For this reason alternative targets and therapeutic agents are needed to reduce the exploitation of alterative pro-angiogenic pathways in cancer patients. The potential of FAM198b to be used as a target for anti-angiogenic therapeutics has been discussed in this paper based upon the results of in vitro angiogenesis assays. These assays are designed to assess the effect of a FAM198b knockdown on the ability of human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs) to migrate, proliferate and form tubes. Project 2 Abstract: This project forms the basis of further work to investigate whether changes to the extracellular matrix can stimulate the differentiation of bone marrow derived stem cells along specific lineages for the purposes of craniofacial repair. Corrective surgery can be conducted, with varying degrees of success, to repair craniofacial tissues. This often requires removing tissue from other sites within the body, however a significant amount of tissue is required and obtaining sufficient donor material is not always possible. Tissue engineering could potentially provide viable alternative to transplantation. The implanted tissues could be constructed using synthetic or organic materials which can be grown after implantation into the required functionality. Alternatively these tissues could be engineered in vitro to form functional organs or tissues prior to implantation. Collagen gels are particularly suitable for the purpose of craniofacial regeneration not only because of their physical properties. Collagen gels are biocompatibility and have low immunogenicity properties. Furthermore collagen gels can be created to imitate the structure of many tissue types and is capable of maintaining its structure without deforming or collapsing.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Immunity and Infection

[关键词] Q Science;Q Science (General)