Research Projects

EFFECT OF NANOPARTICLES ON STEM CELL BIOLOGY

Research Description

The discovery of multipotent stem cells in the adult brain has brought revolutionary changes in the theory of neurogenesis, which currently posits that regeneration of neurons can occur throughout life, thus opening a door for the development of novel therapies to treat neurological diseases by neuronal regeneration using stem cell transplantation. Not only for neuroregeneration but also recent advances in stem cell technologies are expanding our ability to replace a variety of cells throughout the body.

Stem cell transplantation is dependent on ability of these cells to migrate and to integrate within the host body. Hence, the source, quality and culture conditions of stem cells are crucial factors in this success. Here, in order to get high quality of stem cells as the transplantable materials, we are using nanotechnology to improve environmental and intracellular conditions of the stem cells. We also investigate whether nanoparticles can affect cell fate decision of the stem cells.

The undergraduates will be involved in:

• Hands on experience with human stem cell culture and manipulation of
  the cell to differentiate into certain types of cells
• Practical training on molecular biological, cell biological and
  protein analytical techniques
• Learning live cell fluorescence and immuno- fluorescence microscopies
• Understanding concept for bioassay of nanoparticles