Effects of GDF11 on proliferation and stemness of mesenchymal stem cells

The development of techniques that allow the culture and differentiation of stemcells has opened new research venues and the potential for novel therapies. It has been shown that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow improved heart function after myocardial infarction. Also mesenchymal stem cells regulate cardiac electrophysiological functions of cardiomyocytes, and protect the heart against cardiac arrhythmias and pathological hypertrophy.
This study investigates the effect of a growth factor GDF 11 on the differentiation and proliferation of mesenchymal stemcells. The decline of GDF 11 has been implicates in aging of the heart and skeletal muscle. The scientific question that this research aims to answer is whether GDF11 is a keyplayer in maintaining the stemcells in their undifferentiated state, thus maintaining their beneficial effect on the heart.

Faculty Supervisor:

Guido van Marle

Student:

Partner:

Harbin Medical University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Calgary

Program: