>> Research Projects >> Stem cell and regenerative medicine

Stem cells hold remarkable promises for cell replacement therapies. And stem cell biology and stem cell engineering is one of our key research focus. Dr. Wen group is studying both human embryonic and adult stem cells for multiple tissue regeneration, such as brain, spinal cord, heart, kidney, lung, cartilage, and bone. 

Dr. Wen group is currently focused on 1) transdifferentiation behaviors of hematopoietic stem cells; 2) developing reproducible protocols to induce stem cell differentiate into specialized cells. 3) developing novel techniques to expand adult stem cell population in vitro. 4) genetically engineering stem cells to temporarily or permanently manipulate host response to transplanted stem cells, or improve stem cell survival, and integration with host tissue. 5) Improve the long-term viability and integration of transplanted stem cell..

1. Transdifferentiation behaviors of hematopoietic stem cells

Tissue-specific adult stem cells have been demonstrated to contribute to lineages other than the tissue of origin in a variety of tissue environments in vivo. However, concerns were raised with regard to the validity of these observations due to the potential fusion of stem cells with local cells rather than trans-differentiation. The trans-differentiation potential of tissue-specific human umbilical cord blood isolated hematopoietic stem cells (hHSCs) is critically examined whether transplanted human hematopoietic stem cells are able to truly trans-differentiate into neural lineages in the adult brain tissue.

2. Induce CD271+ stem cell differentiate into specialized cells

In the last a few months, my group has successfully developed the technology to induce human adult CD271+ mesenchymal stem cells to transdifferentiate into neurons and oligodendrocytes in vitro. My group is also able to further induce them differentiate them into dopaminergic neurons (paper in preparation). 

3. Stem Cell Genetic Engineering

My group is developing techniques to either stably or temporarily genetic engineering stem cells to have certain function to manipulate host response to transplanted stem cells, or improve stem cell survival, and integration with host tissue.

4. Improve the long-term viability and integration of stem cell derived neurons or oligodendrocytes in vivo.

The ultimate goal of this study is to enhance the long-term viability and functionality of human stem cell derived neurons or oligodendrocytes for cell therapy in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's diseases, and Multiple Sclerosis.