The laboratory of Organ Regeneration is focused on developing next-generation human disease models and regenerative medicine therapies for chronic diseases and acute tissue injuries.
The laboratory's research incorporates organoid, tissue on chip and tissue engineering approaches, as well as nanomedicines and in vivo animal models.
Engineering 3D human organoids and tissues for disease modelling, drug testing, and replacement therapies
Complex human 3D tissues are engineered with 3D culture systems and 3D bioprinting technologies using patients’ own cells derived from biopsies, or with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These miniature replicas of organs (organoids) or tissues are used to model human diseases, test drugs, and study the development of human tissue in vitro. Transplantable bio-artificial tissues are also optimised for the treatment of renal anaemia.
Modulating thyroid hormone signalling to regenerate damaged organs
In this research line we study the role of thyroid hormone (TH) signalling in organ repair/regeneration during chronic stress (i.e., diabetic kidney, heart and pancreas) and after acute injury (i.e., acute renal failure and myocardial infarction). The methodology incorporates developmental biology principles and nanomedicine approaches to target and deliver TH to injured cells in order to spatiotemporally coordinate tissue regeneration.
Developing an organ on chip to model the functions of the glomerulus (the kidney’s filtering unit) in vitro
The planned methodology aims to mimic the essential physiological and mechanical features of the human glomerulus. It will be used to (i) study cellular pathophysiological pathways in response to kidney injuries; (ii) model rare kidney diseases; and (iii) test drug toxicity and efficacy in a personalised manner.
Regeneration of diabetic kidney in vivo
-Identification of pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying the reactivation of kidney developmental programme in response to chronic stress (e.g. diabetic milieu). -Development of novel therapeutic strategies to arrest kidney alterations induced by chronic injuries, and promote the organ’s regeneration by pharmacological modulation of the identified targets.
International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
