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Evaluation of the wound healing potential of amnion-derived cells in vitro
The preservation of intact fetal membranes (FM) throughout pregnancy is key for the development of a healthy fetus and newborn. We here propose to test the wound healing response of amnion-derived cells in a three-dimensional in vitro cell culture model and evalute it by different techniques.
Keywords: fetal membranes, tissue engineering, 3D cell culture, proteomics.
The fetal membranes (FM), namely the amnion and the chorion, are extraembryonic tissues that surround the fetus throughout pregnancy in all vertebrates. Their main functions include the retention of the amniotic fluid, the exchange of nutrients, gas and waste products with the amniotic fluid and the uterus, and the protection of the fetus against infections and physical impacts. Failures of FM are the main cause of preterm births - before 37 weeks of gestation - which can result in mild to severe morbidities or even the mortality of newborns. Preterm prelabor rupture of the fetal membranes (PPROM) can either be spontaneous (sPPROM) or happen after an intervention in the amniotic cavity (iPPROM). To date, none of the evaluated treatments to prevent sPPROM or iPPROM has been transferred to a clinical setting, and there is currently no standard treatment to seal or heal the FM after an intervention. Despite this, earlier in vitro results have demonstrated the capacity of FM cells to respond to migratory and proliferative stimuli, and in vivo investigations have shown the potential of FM cells to be recruited to defect sites when plugged. This cellular recruitment could be a first indication of a potential healing response that, when comprehensively studied and understood, could be triggered with external stimuli for inducing the repair of the FM.
Desirable skills: We are looking for a passionate and motivated student that has a strong scientific curiosity and is interested in interdisciplinary research. The project is suited for students with a biology, biochemistry or bioengineering background, ideally with previous experience in cell culture techniques. The selected student will be trained in 3D cell culture, molecular biology, shotgun proteomics, staining and confocal microscopy techniques. Previous knowledge in these areas is a plus. The project is expected to lead to a publication.
The fetal membranes (FM), namely the amnion and the chorion, are extraembryonic tissues that surround the fetus throughout pregnancy in all vertebrates. Their main functions include the retention of the amniotic fluid, the exchange of nutrients, gas and waste products with the amniotic fluid and the uterus, and the protection of the fetus against infections and physical impacts. Failures of FM are the main cause of preterm births - before 37 weeks of gestation - which can result in mild to severe morbidities or even the mortality of newborns. Preterm prelabor rupture of the fetal membranes (PPROM) can either be spontaneous (sPPROM) or happen after an intervention in the amniotic cavity (iPPROM). To date, none of the evaluated treatments to prevent sPPROM or iPPROM has been transferred to a clinical setting, and there is currently no standard treatment to seal or heal the FM after an intervention. Despite this, earlier in vitro results have demonstrated the capacity of FM cells to respond to migratory and proliferative stimuli, and in vivo investigations have shown the potential of FM cells to be recruited to defect sites when plugged. This cellular recruitment could be a first indication of a potential healing response that, when comprehensively studied and understood, could be triggered with external stimuli for inducing the repair of the FM.
Desirable skills: We are looking for a passionate and motivated student that has a strong scientific curiosity and is interested in interdisciplinary research. The project is suited for students with a biology, biochemistry or bioengineering background, ideally with previous experience in cell culture techniques. The selected student will be trained in 3D cell culture, molecular biology, shotgun proteomics, staining and confocal microscopy techniques. Previous knowledge in these areas is a plus. The project is expected to lead to a publication.
The goal of the project is to use three-dimensional cell culture models for the study of midterm and term amnion-derived cellular behavior (cell migration, proliferation and ECM deposition) upon treatment with the identified healing-triggering stimulatory cues. These cues have been identified by evaluating midterm (at the time of intervention) and term amniotic membranes (on which current models are based) by shotgun proteomics.
The goal of the project is to use three-dimensional cell culture models for the study of midterm and term amnion-derived cellular behavior (cell migration, proliferation and ECM deposition) upon treatment with the identified healing-triggering stimulatory cues. These cues have been identified by evaluating midterm (at the time of intervention) and term amniotic membranes (on which current models are based) by shotgun proteomics.
Contact details: The project will be conducted at the Ehrbar Lab, Laboratory for cell and tissue engineering, located in the University Hospital Zürich. Please send your CV and letter of motivation to Eva Avilla Royo for further details (eva.avillaroyo@usz.ch).
Contact details: The project will be conducted at the Ehrbar Lab, Laboratory for cell and tissue engineering, located in the University Hospital Zürich. Please send your CV and letter of motivation to Eva Avilla Royo for further details (eva.avillaroyo@usz.ch).