Scientific research

Main structural departments of the Scientific Center:

1. Laboratory of Cell Cultures.
2. Laboratory of Histology.
3. Biochemical Laboratory.
4. Hematological Laboratory.
5. Immunological Laboratory.
6. Coagugometric Laboratory.
7. Laboratory of Biotechnology.
8. Laboratory of Programmed Cryogenic Freezing.
9. Cryodepository for Cellular and Tissue Transplants.

The end of XX century was commemorated with a number of first-rate achievements of molecular and cell biology that open vast perspectives for the development of principally new and effective biomedical technologies, which should give possibility to solve the problem of the most severe human diseases treatment.

Successful introduction of methods of long-term cultivating of stem cells and ancestor cells of the different animal and human tissues, extracted from embryos and mature organism into practice of experimental biology has created prerequisites for the development of substitutive cellular and tissue therapy technologies.

Further development of mechanisms of cell differentiation and tissue regeneration fundamental research, creation and development of new biomedical technologies of cellular and gene therapy completely depends on presence of adequate cell material that does not cause immune transplants’ rejection.

Application of the embryonic stem cells received from blastocysts, stem cells and precursor cells, which were isolated from embryonic, fetal and adult mature tissues as transplanted material has a vital importance for the development of the methods of substitutive therapy. These cells in total are characterized with high proliferative potential in vitro, have the ability to differentiate practically into every cells of human organs and tissues at all stages of postnatal ontogenesis.

Development of the technologies of stem cells and precursor cells in vitro directed differentiation will allow solving the problem of donor material supply for substitutive biomedical technologies in treatment of wide spectrum of human diseases. Moreover, real perspectives are open for stem cells getting by transfer of genetic material of individual patient into oocyte, from which stem cells could be isolated for transplantation that does not cause transplant rejection further in the process of blast cyst formation.

Main directions of scientific research of the Institute of Cellular Therapy:

1. Development of methods of receipt, isolation, reproduction, cryogenic conservation, cultivation and directed differentiation and also of new ways of tissues and cells transplantation.
2. Exploration of tissues and cells transplantation effectiveness in the models of diseases and pathological processes. Study of the mechanisms of apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. Determination of biological activity and biological structure of the substances that are produced by stem and progenitor cells and tissues of embryo fetal and exofetal origin.
3. Study of the mechanisms of cooperation of stem and somatic cells. Exploration of microenvironment effect on the processes of homing, proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Investigation of the role of stem and progenitor cells in the processes of physiological and pathological aging. Exploration of the role of stem and progenitor cells in the cancerogenesis processes.
4. Experimental proof of cells and tissues transplantation and application of biologically active substances of embryo fetal and exofetal origin in internal human diseases, blood system diseases, pathologies of musculoskeletal apparatus, combustions, diseases of central and peripheral nervous system, endocrine pathology, pathology of cardio-vascular system and system of external respiration, oncopathology, liver and kidneys pathology, dermatovenerologic diseases, surgical diseases, in obstetetric-gyneologic, hereditary and gerontology pathologies.
5. Substantiation and experimental perfection of reconstructive operations on the basis of cellular and tissue biotechnologies.

Aim and objectives of the program

Scientific program has the development of new methods of human diseases treatment, based on biomedical technologies at the stage of preclinical study as its final target.

Future research:

1. Isolation of human embryonic stem cells (ESC) from blastocysts, unclaimed for sterility treatment, which were obtained by in vitro fertilization. Establishment of ESC cell lines.
2. Determination of the conditions of directed ESC differentiation. Elucidation of ESC metabolism, creation of special culture media, development of optimal conditions for ESC cultivation.
3. Development of the regiments of cryogenic conservation and ESC cell lines bank functioning for fundamental and applied research with cell material.
4. Investigation of the microenvironment effect at the processes of ESC development in culture, which includes cell matrix elements, growth factors, other biologically active molecules for their application in the development of methods of directed ESC differentiation.
5. Study of the ESC intracellular differentiation inductors (cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, nervous, glia cells) molecular action mechanisms.
6. Conducting of model animal experiments in ESC transplantation with the aim of long-term effects and safety of material application assessment in the development of substitutive therapy methods.
7. Development of the methods of directed genetic ESC transformation for subsequent transplantation.
8. Expansion and final elaboration of substitutive therapy methods with ESC application and presentation of justified proposals for implementation of appropriate technologies into medical practice.