Biophysics study of stem cell differentiation

This activity includes several projects carried out in IBF-GE that mainly involved the use of adult stem cells derived from the human bone marrow stroma (hBM-MSC), but also umbilical cord stem cells (hUBC) and stabilized fetal osteoblasts. in culture (hFOB1-19). The differentiation and possible trans-differentiation of these lines towards a specific mature phenotype can be induced by the most heterogeneous stimuli. We have used chemical stimuli (osteo-inductive compounds (OM), adipogenic (AM)) or connected to the growth substrate (nanostructured TiO2, Collagen Neo-glycosylated matrices) or physical (Pulsed Magnetic Fields at low frequency-PEMF, Temperature) .
Various approaches are used to monitor and evaluate differentiation: single cell patch clamp, cytoplasmic [Ca2 +] investigation by Fura2, various citochemistry procedures (staining with Alizarin and Oil Red), Immunocytochemistry (antibodies to known or predicted differentiation markers) , advanced microscopy - AFM, Quantitative Holographic Digital Microscopy, Real-time qPCR.

Members:
Paola Gavazzo (Principal investigator)