Research group IN VITRO MODELS FOR STUDYING CNS REPAIR MECHANISMS
Research focus
The complex cellular architecture of the central nervous system (CNS) and its limited intrinsic capacity for regeneration and functional recovery represent major challenges in neuroscience and regenerative medicine. Central glial cells play key roles in blood–brain barrier restoration, neuroinflammation, glial scar formation, and secondary degeneration characterized by neuronal loss and impaired axonal growth.
Following traumatic CNS injury, vascular disruption and infiltration of immune cells trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses that activate resident microglia and astrocytes. Microglia and infiltrating macrophages release cytokines that stimulate astrocytic reactivity via specific pathways and promote glial scar formation. The resulting astrocyte–microglia crosstalk amplifies neuroinflammation and leads to the deposition of growth-inhibitory molecules, ultimately impeding axonal regeneration.
Our research focuses on elucidating the roles of astrocytes and microglia in the pathophysiology of CNS injury and on developing novel therapeutic strategies that modulate glial interactions to promote neuroprotection and neural repair. We use 2D and 3D culture models with quiescent and activated astrocytes and microglia to assess the efficacy of potential novel treatment strategies based on various biomaterials functionalized with cells and cellular products and neuroprotective agents for the injured spinal cord in experimental animals.
However, animal experiments are associated with substantial animal suffering and require the use of large numbers of animals. Therefore, our research aims to reduce such experiments by developing advanced in vitro models that accurately reproduce the key pathophysiological processes of CNS injury.
