Research & Development
Research & Development at First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory
We at First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory envision it as a world-renowned research and development facility focused on stem cell biology & regenerative medicine. Our mission is to research new stem cell-based therapies for various diseases and conditions, including cancer, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
We are committed to conducting high-quality research that will make a real difference in patients’ lives.
Research Collaboration with Marga and Walter-Boll Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Marga and Walter-Boll Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering, University Hospital of Cologne – Germany.
For the first time in the UAE, the First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory will be conducting research studies on cardiovascular differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells using iPSC technology, which could be the hope of the future for many patients with myocardial infarction.
We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Marga and Walter-Boll Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering, University Hospital of Cologne – Germany.
For the first time in the UAE, First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory will be conducting research studies on cardiovascular differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells using iPSC technology, which could be the hope of the future for many patients with myocardial infraction.
Culturing of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a new type of pluripotent cells that can be obtained by reprogramming differentiated cells.The collaboration between the Hortman Stem Cell Laboratory and the Marga-and-Walter-Boll Laboratory in Germany marks an important step forward in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) research in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Through knowledge transfer and training, the FSG Laboratory team successfully cultured high-quality viable iPSC cells (96-99%) in our GMP laboratory equipped with ISO 5 clean rooms.
This remarkable achievement reflects the expertise and dedication of the researchers and technologists at the First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory and the invaluable guidance and training provided by collaborators at the Marga-and-Walter-Boll Laboratory.
The iPSC technology has immense potential in advancing regenerative medicine, Personalized Medicine, Drug Screening, and disease modelling.
Brightfield images of monolayer cultures of hiPSCs at passage 35 at 10X magnification. The image here shows the confluency of iPSC cells growing in the culture plate. Scale bars: 100 μm.
Flow cytometry analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cells at passage 35. The flowcytometry graph shows the percentage of iPSCs (as shown by iPSC maker-SSEA4)
Differentiation of iPSCs into Cardiomyocytes
- After acquiring iPSC technology, the next pivotal phase for First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory involved differentiating these pluripotent cells into a specialized cell type suitable for diverse applications such as tissue-specific differentiation and drug screening, etc. Leveraging the expertise of our collaborators at the Marga-and-Walter-Boll Laboratory, renowned for their work in cardiomyocyte research, proved invaluable.
- Embarking on iPSC differentiation into cardiomyocytes presented its share of challenges for the FSG team, particularly in achieving a substantial yield of cardiomyocytes. However, the team triumphed in successfully differentiating iPSCs into cardiomyocytes through meticulous experimentation and iterative refinements. Notably, the quality of the cardiomyocytes obtained surpassed expectations, with yields ranging from 95% – 99%.
- This accomplishment speaks volumes about the proficiency and dedication of the technical team at the First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory, underscoring their adeptness in iPSC technology and cell culture techniques. With such high-quality cardiomyocytes now at their disposal, the laboratory is poised to explore myriad applications in cardiovascular research and beyond.
Cardiac differentiation of hiPSCs in a monolayer culture at 10X. The image here shows the differentiation of iPSCs into the cardiomyocytes in the culture plate
Flow cytometry analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell Passage: 35, derived cardiomyocytes at passage 36. The flowcytometry graph shows the percentage of Cardiomyocytes (as shown by Cardiac maker-TNNT2)