Modelling human brain development with stem cells and biomaterials. With limited resources to directly study and advance our understanding of human neural development, this
proposal will establish models of 4 key stages. Employing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches, biomaterials will be fabricated to provide structural and chemical support for human stem cells during: (i) neural induction, (ii) specification into neuronal progenitor subpopulations, (iii) neuronal maturation and integration ....Modelling human brain development with stem cells and biomaterials. With limited resources to directly study and advance our understanding of human neural development, this
proposal will establish models of 4 key stages. Employing innovative, interdisciplinary approaches, biomaterials will be fabricated to provide structural and chemical support for human stem cells during: (i) neural induction, (ii) specification into neuronal progenitor subpopulations, (iii) neuronal maturation and integration into complex neural networks as well as, (iv) the organisation of neurons into larger 3-dimensional brain structures, namely folding of the human cortex. Further, biomaterials developed here have commercialisation potential, targeted at standardizing the culturing of human stem cells to defined neural populations.
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Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for ....Using nanostructured biomaterials and stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. There is currently no effective cure for spinal cord injuries and the consequences to the patient are devastating. Spinal cord injuries affects limb, bowel, bladder and sexual function, and many people with these injuries strugle to maintain their independence. Because people can live for many years after spinal cord damage, the financial and social costs are immense, as many are dependent on the help of others for their survival. This proposal tackles this urgent problem by applying advanced nanostructured materials with stem cells, to assist the body in the repair of the spinal cord following injury. Read moreRead less
Generating multi-component scaffolding to influence the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Nervous system diseases are debilitating and will develop in over 50 per cent of people at some time in their life. This project will develop strategies so that stem cells can be utilised to encourage brain repair for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The technology developed will also be of benefit for the treatment of other nervous system disorders.