2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Modified mesenchymal stem cells for brain remodeling and motor recovery in a rodent stroke model
| Project/Area Number |
18K16577
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| Research Institution | University of Tsukuba |
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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)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2018-04-01 – 2023-03-31
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| Keywords | Stroke intervention / Cell therapy / Mesenchimal stem cells / Microglial polarization |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
During the last year, the progress of the research was very delayed due to COVID-19. The main focus was based on blinded cell counting which was confirmed by more than one investigator and checked by a non-blinded member in order to ensure the reliability of the cell counting itself.
Samples were randomly double checked and in some cases, also re-checking of the stained samples under the microscope was performed to ensure that the collected data from pictures was actuall cell staining and not immunofluorescence-related artifacts.
The initial collected data for animal status (physiological data) was also organized and analysis is undergoing. There was consideration about collecting more information related to the animal status during the procedures in order to ensure that particular conditions did not affected the outcome of each group (note that on experiment day, two or three different injection contents were prepared and the animals operated the previous day were randomized after ensuring they fulfilled the inclusion criteria (Longa score and general status)).
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
4: Progress in research has been delayed.
Reason
The COVID 19 situation delayed the use of animal facilities and the collection of human samples as well. Additionally, the disponibility of personel is reduced and access to facilities is well controlled in order to avoid dangerous situations regarding to COVID 19 spread. These new organization of facilities and resources impose a challenge since coordination with other inversigators sharing the same environment has become difficult and time consuming.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
During the FY 2022, we plan to add the in vitro experiments and draft the paper with the initial collected data. If required, additional experiments will be added.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Since access to samples for cell preparation, and animal experiments were affected by the COVID-19, experiments were slowed down, and the amount of desired experiments couldn't be performed. The remaining budget relates to experiments that were delayed.
The remaining budget will be focused on supporting in vitro experiments, adding more animal samples and if possible covering part of publication fees as well.
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