Suppressing the Scarring of Burn Wounds with Genetically Educated Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Large burn wounds are a leading cause of morbidity and a major burden on Canadian patients and the health care system. Burns can be clinically treated by transplanting donor mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that suppress inflammation and regenerate the recipient tissue. However, the stiff culture surfaces of bioreactors stress-activate MSCs during expansion into scar-promoting ‘myofibroblasts’ with reduced regeneration potential. Our project aims to prevent MSC-to-myofibroblast activation in the stressful mechanical conditions of expansion culture by ‘relaxing’ MSCs with genetic approaches. Using normal and scar tissue-mimetic culture approaches, cell phenotypic and transcriptional profiling, we identified a novel transcription factor that is prevalent in relaxed MSCs. In gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we will test the potential of genetic manipulation of this this factor to re-educate scar-forming into regenerative MSC in culture and in animal transplant experiments – for better healing outcomes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Boris Hinz

Student:

Partner:

Reutlingen University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: