Project R-7265

Neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects of transplantation of neurotrophic enhanced dental pulp stem cells in ischaemic stroke (Research)

Stroke is a severe condition defined by loss of brain function due to impaired blood flow to the brain. It is a major cause of disability and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Modern medicine is unable to sufficiently improve the functional outcome after stroke, highlighting the Stem cell therapy is considered a promising approach to minimize neurological damage and enhance functional recovery. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are ideal candidates for stem cell therapy. They secrete high amounts of paracrine factors for the survival and regulation of neuronal cells and transplantation of hDPSCs in rodent stroke models resulted in improved functional recovery. We hypothesize that hDPSCs improve the functional outcome after ischaemic stroke via neuroprotection and stimulation of neuroregeneration and that these effects can be potentiated by neurotrophic enhancement of hDPSCs. The capacity of hDPSCs to exert neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects is evaluated and the key paracrine factors responsible for these effects are identified. Consequently, the effects of wild type and neurotrophic enhanced hDPSCs are investigated in a mouse stroke model by means of state of the art non-invasive imaging techniques. By conducting this study we gain insight in the therapeutic potential of hDPSCs in stroke and reveal valuable information for translation to an effective stem cell-based treatment of this severe condition.

01 October 2016 - 30 September 2018