Cancer
Epigenetic rejuvenation, also known as partial cellular reprogramming, targets the fundamental biological processes that drive aging. This innovative approach aims to erase the disease and aging-associated epigenetic alterations, in the process restoring cells to their youthful and healthy phenotype.
Epigenetic reprogramming has a profound impact due to its ability to reverse multiple hallmarks of aging, and do it on a profound way. By modulating the reprogramming machinery and pathways in cells, our therapies can rejuvenate cells without altering their identity. This precise control can lead to dramatic improvements in cellular function and tissue regeneration, offering transformative potential across various clinical applications. Our preclinical models have demonstrated effects unmatched by current drugs in regenerative capacity and functional restoration of tissues affected by age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Epigenetic rejuvenation impacts multiple hallmarks of aging, including:
Our delivery strategy consists of mRNA delivery and cell therapy. Our mRNA platform is well-established, with ongoing experiments focused on optimizing delivery techniques for maximum efficacy. Similarly, our cell therapy platform uses viral vectors, honing in on yield optimization, better promoter usage, and improved tropism to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of our reprogramming therapies.
Our mRNA platform leverages advanced delivery systems to introduce reprogramming factors directly into cells. This method ensures precise, controlled expression of factors necessary for epigenetic reprogramming without permanent genetic modifications. This approach allows for transient expression, minimizing the risk of oncogenic transformations while maximizing therapeutic benefits.
Our cell therapy platform utilizes viral vectors to deliver reprogramming factors into cells. By refining promoter usage and tropism, we ensure targeted delivery and efficient reprogramming, enhancing therapeutic outcomes for age-related diseases. In addition to their systemic effects, these vectors are designed to maximize gene transfer efficiency and specificity, reducing off-target effects and improving overall safety.
Ex-vivo approaches involve reprogramming cells outside the body before reintroducing them to the patient. This method allows for precise control and monitoring of the reprogramming process, ensuring optimal cell function before transplantation. Ex-vivo reprogramming is particularly useful for generating patient-specific treatments with reduced risk of immune rejection.
Our organ-on-a-chip technology simulates human organ systems in vitro, providing a platform to study the effects of epigenetic rejuvenation in a controlled environment. This innovation accelerates our understanding and optimization of reprogramming therapies, enabling high-throughput screening and detailed mechanistic studies.
Our models for aging and disease research leverage cutting-edge technologies to study and combat age-related conditions at their core. By mimicking the complexity of human systems, we aim to provide accurate insights and develop effective therapies.
Our microvasculature models enable the study of vascular aging and related diseases by replicating the intricate network of blood vessels. These models allow us to observe how different interventions affects vascular health and function. For example, our studies show that fibroblasts from old donors cannot form vasculature, but epigenetic reprogramming can restore youthful phenotype, restoring their ability to form functional blood vessels.
Our myelination models focus on the health of the nervous system, particularly the insulation of nerve fibres. By studying these models, we aim to understand and reverse the decline in neural function associated with aging. Through advanced in vitro models that replicate the size and texture of neurons, we can observe the processes of myelin formation and degradation. Our methods include using 3D hydrogel pillars and microfabrication techniques to create environments that mimic neuron conditions. Reprogramming techniques can enhance myelin regeneration, improving signal transmission and cognitive function in neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Our blood-brain barrier (BBB) models are essential for studying neurodegenerative diseases. These models replicate the BBB's structure and function, allowing us to investigate interventions that enhance barrier integrity and prevent disease progression. Using advanced microfluidic devices, we mimic the BBB environment, facilitating interactions between brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes. By incorporating iPSC-derived astrocytes from familial Alzheimer's disease (fAD) patients, we effectively model BBB dysfunction observed in AD. Our research shows that reprogramming can restore BBB permeability and function, reducing neuroinflammation and providing a platform for screening and treatments.
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