Modified mesenchymal stem cells for brain remodeling and motor recovery in a rodent stroke model

2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K16577
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: プエンテス サンドラ 筑波大学, システム情報系, 助教 (00725765)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: Stroke / Mesenchymal stem cells / Microglial polarization / Brain edema

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

During the last year, due to COVID-19 our experiments were delayed. However, we tried our best to progress, and performed middle cerebral artery occlusion and cell (Adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells from baby and adults with and without microvessels)/control (phosphate buffer saline) injections in order to complete animal number for cell counting (n=4 per group) and also added a new group by injecting micro-vesicles only. The experiments went well where the success rate and animal conditions didn't vary importantly from previous experiments. For these new experiments, only animals exhibiting a Longa score (behavioral evaluation) between 3 to 5 were included as before. The animal sample collection was finished and cell counting from the new samples is undergoing. We used markers for microglia (all, M1, M2), astrocytes, neurons and blood vessels and counting was done in 6 to 9 different regions including infarct penumbra and core as well.

Current Status of Research Progress

4: Progress in research has been delayed.

Reason

COVID-19 situation was challenging since it was important to reduce people contact to avoid contagion and also protect the animals located in the animal facility. Restrictions about using animal rooms and the animal facility in general regarding personal conditions were imposed the whole year delaying importantly the research process.
Fortunately, we were able to finish the animal sample data collection which may help us to move forward faster this year. Apart from that, the conditions of our experiments were overall good, with expected survival rate and transplant success rate as well.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

This year, cell counting will be finished, and we will start in vitro experiments to evaluate the behavior of neurons under oxygen and glucose deprivation in the presence of the different cell types that were used for animal treatment. Afterwards, data collection and analysis will be finished and a paper will be written.

Causes of Carryover

Since our plan is delayed, we will use the carry over part to complete the remaining experiments and cover expenses related to research dissemination (paper/conference).