Pancreatic islets produced from stem cells hold the potential to cure diabetes. However, how to obtain lab-made islets that faithfully recapitulate their native counterparts remains challenging. Using whole genome analysis, we will reveal how islets emerge during human development. Using this information as reference, starting from stem cells, via a novel microfluidic technology we will produce large quantities of islets encased in a shell to prevent immune rejection. Finally, 3D bioprinting will allow to assemble these coated islets into a transplantable engineered pancreas, which will be tested in vivo to assess its potential to counter diabetes.

Disruptions in horse gut microbiota (i.e., dysbacteriosis) can be associated with clinical outcomes such as life-threatening laminitis and colic. Studying these conditions is difficult, as access to the gut and liver is limited and requires invasive procedures. Therefore, in vitro technologies to investigate how dysbacteriosis can contribute to metabolic disorders are vital. This project aims (1) to further develop in vitro technologies to simulate gut fermentation. (2) To assess the absorption and metabolism of these metabolites using mini gut and livers (i.e., organoids), and (3) combine these technologies to form a platform to study the gut-liver axis in horses.

ARREST will provide groundbreaking liver models using normothermic machine perfusion, a technique used to keep livers functioning outside the body. ARREST will demonstrate the applicability of these models to test novel therapies to improve liver function in patients and to develop regenerative medicine approaches to increase livers available for transplantation.

Back pain due to intervertebral disc deterioration is a chronic disease that significantly affects daily life. The embryonic development of intervertebral discs is directed by a “blueprint” consisting of a package of important signal molecules. We will use these powerful signals to rejuvenate the deteriorated discs and incorporate them into advanced synthetic nanovesicles. A specialized biomaterial will accommodate the nanomedicine, providing disc cells with a natural environment to thrive once they have taken up the rejuvenating instructions. Hereby the project sets course to develop an injectable nanomedicine that can initiate disc regeneration and achieve enduring pain relief.