Stem Cells and Applied Regenerative Medicine

Aim

By the end of this course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

• Describe various types of stem cells in the human body and their potential in regenerative medicine
• Explain the stem cell technologies used in the field of medicine
• Describe how biomaterials are used in regenerative medicine and explain their interaction with host tissue
• Identify immunological interactions between host and graft in organ- and stem cell transplantation

Competence and skills:

• Explain and discuss regulatory aspects related to transferring stem cell-based treatment from the laboratory to the clinic
• Apply technologies used to track transplanted stem cells and their derivates
• Identify accurate stem cell markers and separation strategies for translational applications

Judgement and approach:

• Critically address and present a scientific question in regenerative medicine
• Discuss the ethical aspects of stem cell research

Content

Stem cell research and regenerative medicine are new interdisciplinary fields in biomedical sciences that aim to replace defective parts or cells in the human body. The aim of this course is to introduce students into selected topics of regenerative medicine, and to provide deeper knowledge about stem cells. More specifically, the course contains:

• Classification, biological properties, and differentiation of stem cells
• Epigenetic regulation of stem cell fate
• Stem cell-biomaterial interactions for regenerative medicine
• Methods and mechanisms for genetic manipulation of stem cells
• The activation of host’s immune system during organ- and stem cell transplantation
• Cell reprogramming and cell tracking
• Techniques for in vivo visualization of cells and tissue
• Transfer of experimental therapies from the laboratory to the clinic
• Ethical issues in stem cell research