Macrophage Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function in Tissue Regeneration

Fellow: Jennifer Cassano

Mentor: Lisa Fortier

Department of Clinical Sciences
Sponsor: Morris Animal Foundation
Grant Number: D15EQ-403
Title: Macrophage Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Function in Tissue Regeneration
Project Amount: $50,000
Project Period: March 2016 to July 2016

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): 

MSCs have the therapeutic potential to treat a wide variety of inflammatory and degenerative diseases in animals; however little is known about how the recipient environment affects the phenotype and function of transplanted MSCs. Similar to macrophages, MSCs polarize into pro-inflammatory MSC1, and immunomodulatory MSC2 phenotypes. In this proposal, we will address an important knowledge gap by investigating how recipient environment macrophages affect MSC1/2 phenotype and function, and the degree of plasticity of the MSC1/2 phenotype. The ability to generate a stable population of pro-regenerative MSCs, resistant to environmental influences, will improve the therapeutic potential of MSCs.