Research Projects

To establish MUSTER, a center for repair and regeneration of the musculoskeletal tissues by targeted enhancement of endogenous stem cells. We aim to develop and test in ex vivo and preclinical in vivo animal models, novel therapeutic approaches for improving regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues. The current proposal builds upon an existing collaboration between Indian and Danish scientists with expertise in stem cell biology, material science, clinical medicine and surgery. The collaborative objectives of MUSTER are 3-fold: 1. Research: (a) To define the basis of regenerative capacity of musculoskeletal (MSK) stem cells (SC) in terms of secreted products that mediate tissue regeneration and include secreted proteins, exosomes, miRNAs. (b) To shortlist candidates for therapeutic use as enhancers of endogenous MSK SC function in vivo and define their molecular mechanism of action. (c) To test therapeutic candidates in preclinical animal models using functionalized scaffolds for sustained/targeted delivery in presence or absence of MSK stem cells. 2. Training: To train PhD students and post-doctoral researchers in translational bio-medical regenerative medicine. 3. Outreach: To disseminate up-to-date information regarding regenerative medicine-based therapies of MSK diseases to patients and public.