Focusing on stem cells and the blood brain barrier
Back in the lab, the team have isolated and characterised extracellular vesicles released by stem cells. These are small particles which contain a variety of molecules, including unknown factors with potential neuroprotective functions, allowing for more detailed and focused research.
Another area of recent research focus has been the blood brain barrier. This forms a physical challenge for drug delivery in the brain and is composed by endothelial cells, pericytes and astrocytes. We’re currently optimising conditions to assess the permeability of the barrier and using mono-cultures of endothelial cells in an evolving model to test our treatments, which could pave the way for new therapies and medications. Once fully developed this model will enable us to conduct high throughput ADP treatment screening.
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