STEM CELLS OF MARINE/AQUATIC INVERTEBRATES: FROM BASIC RESEARCH TO INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS
The “stem cells” discipline represents one of the most dynamic areas in biology and biomedicine. Marine and aquatic invertebrate stem cell (MISC) biology is of prime research and medical interest. The aim of this COST Action is to consolidate and promote an interdisciplinary network of the European community working on MISC. This will help to develop novel MISC tools and methodologies, promote the MISC discipline in the front interest of biomedical disciplines and establishing collaborations with industries.
Working groups
Working group 1
Developing protocols for raising marine/aquatic invertebrate stem cells under in vitro conditions
Working group 2
“omics” to characterize the MISC phenotypes
Working group 3
Blue technology: MISCs as model systems for the study of fundamental biological processes related to stem cells.
Working group 4
Networking with stakeholders
WG 1 – Developing protocols for raising marine/aquatic invertebrate stem cells under in vitro conditions
Leader: Dr Isabelle DOMART-COULON , Vice-leader: U. Frank
The development of common protocols, techniques and tools in order to foster MISC research in European institutions. Among others, this WG focuses on:
· Endosymbionts in MISC cultures
· Access to new marine models
· Cryopreservation of MISCs
· Immortalisation of MISCs
· Stem cell enrichment
Progress updates:
– 02.2018: Goals were set at the 1st General Meeting in Piran
WG2 – characterizing MISCs using omics approaches
Leader A. Varela Coehlo (PO), Vice-leader Helike Lõhelaid (EE)
The technical and scientific support for molecular/biochemical profiling of novel MISCs. This WG provides a shared expertise on:
· Molecular pathways during differentiation
· Comparative transcriptomics
· Comparative proteomics
· Comparative genomics
· Transgenic strategies
Progress updates:
– 02.2018: Goals were set at the 1st General Meeting in Piran
WG 3 – Blue technology: MISCs as model systems for the study of fundamental biological processes related to stem cells.
Leader Ildiko Somorjai (UK), Vice-leader A. Rosner (IL)
MISCs as model systems for the study of fundamental biological processes related to stem cells, including:
· Evolutionary aspects of stem cell differentiation and development
· Cancer, aging and senescence phenomena
· Regeneration
Progress updates:
– 02.2018: Goals were set at the 1st General Meeting in Piran
WG 4 – Networking with stakeholders
Leader A. Burzynski (PL), Vice-leader AM Geneviere (FR)
The evaluation of the potential of MISCs to be used by biomedical industries to provide innovative applications, such as:
· Biomolecules discovery
· Biomaterials production
· Validation of medical techniques
· Toxicity and ecotoxicity assessment
Progress updates:
– 02.2018: Goals were set at the 1st General Meeting in Piran
COST is supported by the EU Framework Programme Horizon 2020
Chairman: Prof. Loriano Ballarin
Vice-Chairman: Prof. Buki Rinkevich