The science of stem cells has been developing for decades, with increasing impact on clinical medicine. Recent studies support a concept that stem cells can be found in various organs of adult mammals, including humans, and continue to produce differentiated progeny cells and important cytokines.

Furthermore, reprogramming of adult somatic cells into pluripotent cells either by somatic nuclear transfer or fusion of the somatic cell with an embryonic stem cell has been achieved in several model organisms. Materials engineering, chemistry and physics have flanked these discoveries with the development of innovative technologies that create novel prospects for cell and tissue engineering. Together, these developments have led to a paradigm shift that establishes stem cell biology and related regenerative sciences as a central organizing principle of modern medicine.
Our program integrates excellent training with innovative science and experimental as well as clinical medicine. Interactive basic research projects are designed to identify and evaluate cellular and molecular mediators that stimulate regeneration. We study both, intrinsic pathways and milieu-dependent mechanisms which control epigenetic reprogramming, cell expansion, differentiation, migration, organogenesis and disease-specific regeneration. Driven by these insights, we test new approaches for regenerative therapies using novel (if possible somatic) cell sources which we engineer applying genetic, epigenetic, as well as scaffold-based principles. Expertise in various fields of engineering, chemistry, biophotonics and nanotechnology will support and supplement our research and development.

Toward patient-focused, applied studies, the existing wide range of certified/accredited facilities for Good Practice (laboratory, manufacturing and clinical) and close industrial collaborations will be further expanded. Upscaling technologies and pro-active biosafety assessment complete our translational activities. REBIRTH focus on disorders of blood (including immunity), heart, lung (respiratory tract) and liver.

With this profile, REBIRTH represents an optimal partner for other domestic and international centres in regenerative medicine. MHH’s long-standing commitment to bench-to-bedside concepts and our highly valued interactions with major academic, regulatory and industrial partners underline the suitability of the location for successful translation of basic regenerative sciences into advanced therapy.

Get a REBIRTH executive summary here.