To facilitate research by students and scientists in the fields of hematopoietic stem cells, cancer, differentiation of stem cells into cardiomyocytes, as well as studies related to skin and kidney biology, this laboratory was established. Spanning approximately 80 square meters, the lab began providing services to students and researchers working in these areas.

Research Focus on Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs)

Key research activities in this area include:

• Efficient and optimized expansion of hematopoietic stem cells.

• Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into erythrocytes and other blood cell lineages.

• Development of suitable models for stem cell transplantation studies.

Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Research

Studying cancer stem cells requires expertise in:

• Isolation and identification methods (in vitro).

• Targeting strategies (in vitro and in vivo).

Methods for isolating and characterizing CSCs include:

• Surface marker profiling

• Colony/spheroid formation assays

• Migration/invasion assays

• Gene expression and specific surface marker analysis

• In vivo tumorigenicity assays

Therapeutic targeting approaches under investigation:

• Small-molecule inhibitors

• Immunotherapy strategies

• Differentiation induction via genetic manipulation

• Herbal/natural compounds

Since cancer stem cells play a crucial role in drug resistance, metastasis, and tumor relapse, this lab utilizes CSCs and tumor organoids to develop predictive models for metastasis and therapy resistance. A key service provided is supplying 3D cancer stem cell models to specialists in pharmacology and radiotherapy.

Current Research Projects

The laboratory is currently involved in ~60 research projects (student and staff-led) across these disciplines.