Regenerative Medicine

Content

Credit load:         7.5 ECTS                                                                         Course code: BMW33113
Coordinator:       J. O. Fledderus, PhD                                                    Period:             3
Examiner:           J. O. Fledderus, PhD and Prof. N. Geijsen               Timeslot:        AD
E-mail address: j.o.fledderus@umcutrecht.nl                                    Level:                   3
Phone:                 +31 88 75 59815                                      
 
Content:
Regenerative Medicine (RM) is a novel and broad area of research aiming to functionally restore tissue or organs upon damage caused by pathology or trauma. This can be achieved through stem cell transplantation, but also by extarnal stimulation of resident stem cells in the damaged tissue. In some cases the transplkanted cells need the support of synthetic scaffolds that mimic the function and 3D structure and optimize cellular growth and restoration.
In this course we will review several aspects of RM research both from a fundamental research perspective and the current state of clinical translational research. We will discuss the following topics:
 
-              Adult stem cells, identification, isolation, culture and transplantation
-              How are stem cells regulated – self-renewal vs. differentiation – the stem cell niche
-              Epigenetic regulation of stem cells
-              Stem cells in the hematopoietic system
-              Endodermal stem cells and their (therapeutic) possibilities
-              Pluripotent stem cells, differences with adult stemcells, sources, applications in research and clinic
-              Tissue engineering, biomaterials and associated techniques (imaging), challenges and applications
-              Ethical aspects of (stem) cell therapy
 
Requirements for admission:
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, cel- and molecular biology is required.
 
Course participants
The maximum number of students is 32, of which 16 students of Life Sciences, 8 students medicine en 8 students veterinary medicine.
 
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the course the student is familiar with:

• Molecular and celbiological processes that regulate tissue homeostasis and their disregulation during pathogenesis 
• Different stem cell types and their therapeutic possibilities/ limitations
• Tissue engineering techniques and their potential therapeutic applications
• Different approaches within the RM field to develop therapeutic applications

 
Teaching forms and contact time:
The course will consist of lectures, workshops, group discussion and self-study. In addition, some course topics will be illustrated with practical sessions where students will apply their knowledge in the lab.
Contact time is approximately 30%.
 
Method(s) of testing:
Written exam. Final grade is a combination of exam score (70%), litterature and (10%) and the participation in practical work and group discussions (20%).
 
Required material:
Syllabus will be distributed during the first lecture (10 euros).