Head and Neck Nerve Regeneration Using Skeletal Muscle-Derived Multipotent Stem Cell Transplantation

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24592610
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Otorhinolaryngology
• Research Institution: Tokai University
• Principal Investigator: OKAMI Kenji 東海大学, 医学部, 教授 (90223734)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): TAMAKI Tetsuro 東海大学, 医学部, 教授 (10217177)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 骨格筋間質幹細胞 / 神経再生 / 血管再生 / シート・ペレット / 顔面神経麻痺

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Facial nerve injury animal model was established. A skeletal muscle-derived multipotent stem cells (Sk-MSCs) and a 3D patch transplantation system using Sk-MSC sheet-pellets were developed. The transplanted group showed significant facial nerve recovery. In addition, engrafted GFP+ cells formed complex branches of nerve-vascular networks, with differentiation into Schwann cells and perineurial/endoneurial cells, as well as vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Thus, Sk-MSC sheet-pellet transplantation is potentially useful for functional reconstitution therapy of large defects in facial nerve-vascular networks.

Free Research Field

再生医療科学