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Principal Investigator: Dr. Lisa Fortier
Contact Information: E-mail: laf4@cornell.edu - Phone: 607-253-3102
Sponsor: Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund for Equine Research
Grant Number: N/A
Title: Characteristics of Stem Cell Derived from Bone Marrow Aspirate, Adipose Tissue and Muscle
Annual Direct Cost: $49,000
Project Period: 01/01/06-12/31/06
Description (provided by applicant): The broad objectives of the studies in this 2-year proposal are to first establish a cell surface marker profile to identify and quantify stem cells derived from bone marrow aspirates, adipose tissue, and muscle. In the second year, we will aim to determine the optimal tissue source (bone marrow, adipose, or muscle) for directed differentiation of stem cells down chondrocyte, osteocyte, or neuronal cells lines. The impetus for this proposal comes from the very simple notion that "stem cell" products are being developed and utilized for the treatment of several diseases in the horse with limited knowledge as to the number or capacity of the cells being transplanted.
Our hypothesis for this proposal is that bone marrow aspirates will contain a greater number of stem cells with superior differentiation capacity compared to muscle; and muscle will be a better source of stem cells than adipose tissue. Year I Specific Aims are to establish a cell surface marker profile to identify stem cells obtained from bone marrow aspirate, adipose tissue, and muscle. We will then use the marker profile to determine the absolute number of stem cells that can be obtained from each of the three tissue sources. We will rely primarily on flow cytometry to assess surface marker expression, with supportive data provided by RT/PCR of marker genes. Year 2 Specific Aims are to determine the optimal tissue source of stem cells (bone marrow, adipose, or muscle) for directed differentiation down chondrocyte, osteocyte, and neuronal pathways. We will propagate stem cells obtained from bone mallow, adipose tissue, and muscle, using specific culture conditions to drive them down chondrocyte, osteocyte and neuronal lines. The magnitude of response will be measured by matrix staining and RT/PCR analysis for phenotypic marker of chondrocytes, osteocytes, and neurons.
To achieve our aims, we will use a total of 21 horses to obtain bone mallow, adipose tissue, and muscle. We will use routine clinical methods to harvest, these tissues and then the horses will return to the herd; we do not anticipate any animal wastage. The expectation is that knowledge gained though the studies outlined in this proposal will provide immediately relevant and clinically applicable information regarding the rational use of tissue-derived stem cells in horses.
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