Area B: Reconstructive Therapy in Preclinical Models

REBIRTH’s Research Area B focuses on ‘Reconstructive therapy in preclinical models’. It was created to integrate developments arising from fundamental research into regenerative mechanisms (Area A) and the translational platforms (Area C) into projects that establish proof-of-principle in non-clinical models and explore basic aspects of delivery and biosafety. 
The established research groups are focusing on cell therapy, often in combination with genetic modification, tissue engineering and biohybrid devices. The two latter activities include novel principles of laser technology, nanomanufacturing, polymer design and bioengineering. Cell processing and cell and tissue preservation are also part of the transdisciplinary concept. Our disease models cover a broad spectrum of lymphohaematopoietic, cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic and endocrine (such as diabetes mellitus) conditions.

The technology generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), not available at the time the proposal was submitted (April 2006), has broadened the scope for the research conducted in Area B. Researchers in Area B are thus working closely together with the reprogramming groups in Area A to explore the potential of iPSCs in the development of advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMP). While we are confident that REBIRTH serve as a leading centre for the development of iPSC-based ATMPs in Germany, we are also prepared to play our part in the intense international competition encountered in this highly dynamic field. Supported by the platforms of Area C, our current focus is to improve the efficiency of iPSC generation, to carefully study the biosafety of iPSC-derived cell-based products, and to explore alternative cell sources for organ regeneration. Research programmes that investigate modes of inducing tolerance and regenerating immunity in conditions of increased tolerance (i.e. cancer) are also incorporated into Area B.