Marker analysis for optimising stem cell differentiation

CARMEN: Using continuous imaging to optimise the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells for personalised medicine applications

Within the project, an imaging technique capable of identifying the differentiation stages of cell types during the differentiation process was sought. Subsequently, by imaging changes in the cells continuously, reliably and with high time resolution, this project was able to develop algorithms that can correlate these changes to the different developmental stages. These algorithms give us more insight into the biological development and thereby develop more reliable protocols for differentiation that do not differ from patient to patient.

The project was successfully completed after two years and resulted in two patents filed, two scientific articles (in preparation), improvements to the commercial partner's product and new product developments that will be further developed after the project. The collaboration was so valuable that a new project was started as a follow-up.

This is a critical step to develop affordable patient-specific cardiovascular models, which are much needed in an increasingly burdened healthcare system, while reducing the need for animal testing. The principles and tools developed in this project can be applied to the differentiation and analysis of other cell types. Therefore, this project has the potential to have a significant impact on future cell and tissue therapies.

Summary
Human induced pluripotent stem cells hold promise for personalised medicine but differentiation efficiency towards specific cell types varies significantly between patients. Here, image based approaches were developed to monitor and determine cues for efficient differentiation towards heart and blood vessel cell types.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
1 - 4
Time period
24 months
Partners
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