Seminar

Systems Biology Approaches to Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine

Prof. Dr. Antonio del Sol

The application of Systems Biology approaches to Stem Cell research is becoming more and more necessary in order to address a variety of fundamental questions in this field. In particular, the identification of optimal sets of genes, whose perturbations can trigger specific cellular transitions, remains a challenge in the application of cellular reprogramming and differentiation strategies to regenerative medicine. In this talk, I will present computational approaches developed in our lab, which are based on cellular network models for the identification of cellular transition-dependent reprogramming and cell fate determinant genes. Our computational predictions have been experimentally validated in different cellular systems. Furthermore, this novel approach systematically makes these predictions without prior knowledge of potential candidate genes and pathways involved, providing guidance on systems where little is known. In addition, we recently implemented a computational method that integrates cellular signaling and gene regulatory networks to identify key signaling pathways controlled by the niche to maintain specific cellular phenotypes, and whose perturbations could trigger cellular transitions in-vivo. This method can facilitate mimicking the niche effect on stem cell states with potential applications in regenerative medicine. In summary, our computational predictions not only have been shown to be useful in guiding experimental research, but are currently being used in designing strategies for cell therapy for the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease or patients who have lost their corneal limbus stem cells by injury or burn.