Research Projects

The study aims to develop SFRP4 as a biomarker for early detection of Parkinson's disease (PD) using stem cell-derived 3D models. Currently, there are no specific diagnostic biomarkers for PD in clinical diagnostics, and a reliable biomarker indicating preponderance to disease onset is crucial for prevention and early intervention. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from perinatal tissues offer an exciting, specific, and cost-efficient potential for developing in vitro PD models. The study aims to study the mechanism of action of SFRP4 in relation to PD-specific markers using a human mesenchymal stem cell-derived PD model. The MSC-derived 3D model engineering of PD for analysis of the Wnt antagonist, SFRP4, is also being investigated. The expression of SFRP4 in a mouse PD model is being extrapolated and validated. The study aims to establish the expression of SFRP4 as a robust biomarker indicative of the disease and drug response using patient-derived iPSCs and patient blood for development of clinical diagnostic parameters. This will lead to the creation of an efficient in vitro MSC-based 3D model to study Parkinson's disease and establish it as a potential biomarker for early detection of PD in clinical diagnostics.