Generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from genetically engineered mouse model and differentiation potential

Tissue-resident fibroblasts and their attendant activities are central drivers of a diverse range of diseases. The overarching theme of this proposal is to develop novel fibroblast reporter lines that will enable us to identify
tractable therapeutic targets to modify fibroblast activity. To identify such targets, we are proposing to carry out high throughput screens (i.e., small molecules, gRNAs, siRNAs, etc.) in fibroblasts engineered to express a
reporter reflective of the desired phenotype. For the purposes of this proposal, we plan to generate induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from fibroblasts isolated from a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM).
Fibroblasts from these mice contain two reporter genes that will enable us to follow various aspects of the fibroblast phenotype. The project contains two aims: 1) generation and validation of iPSCs from mouse embryonic
fibroblasts of a GEMM; 2) generation of fibroblasts with the desired phenotypic properties from the aforementioned iPSC lines. Once validated, these iPSC lines will serve as “a well-validated, off-the-shelf” supply of fibroblasts for screening purposes. In short, this project will generate new iPSC cell lines to support a unique platform directed towards developing fibroblast-targeted therapeutics to treat disease.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chad Bousman;Steven Greenway

Student:

Partner:

Stem Cell Network;Mesintel Therapeutics Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Calgary

Program: