| Project ID |
BPN618 |
| Website |
|
| Start Date |
Wed 2011-Feb-02 17:56:52 |
| Last Updated |
Thu 2011-Feb-03 10:44:41 |
| Abstract |
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs) are stem cells that can be derived from fibroblast
cells (skin). It has the potential of providing multiple tissue types in the body without any
transplant rejection and also bypasses the ethical issues of embryonic stem cells. However, because
parts of the cellular mechanisms for reprogramming are still unclear, IPSCs has yet to be utilized
in the clinical setting since scientists cannot control the reprogramming/ differentiation process
precisely.
Here we present a microfluidic chip, which can be used for deciphering reprogramming
dynamics. This chip can pair and fuse different cell types in the single cell level for IPSCs
reprogramming studies. It has been shown the most efficient stem cell reprogramming method is via
cell fusion (70%). We demonstrate the ability of single cell pairing of stem cells to fibroblasts
with high efficiency. We then show the feasibility of electro-fusing these cells on chip.
Furthermore, we explore the possibility of utilizing micro-structures which can keep the paired
cells' nuclei separated so they do not become heterokaryons (multinuclei cells). This chip provides
a valuable platform for studying the mechanism of direct cell reprogramming. |
| Status |
New |
| Funding Source |
Other |
| IAB Research Area |
Microfluidics |
| Researcher(s) |
Erh-Chia Yeh, Chi-Cheng Fu |
| Advisor(s) |
Luke P. Lee |
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