Following the extension of funding for this project by LAPRD last year, Mogib Khedr (LAP researcher pictured) has conducted 172 experiments involving human samples and 78 experiments involving cell lines and liver stem cells.
Mogib is has made important strides using a novel method to grow liver and liver stem cells. This unique method means that these cells can now live and function for up to two weeks in the laboratory. The technique allows the generation of mature liver cells (from stem cells) and this will enable researchers to test if the cells are able to tolerate anti-cancer treatment. This research has successfully optimised conditions suitable for stem cells, liver cells and most recently cancer cells. Preliminary results of this interesting practice have been recognised and were presented to the national conference ‘The British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) Annual Meeting, York 2018’.
In addition to the research above the team have also been working with the Faculty of Engineering at Southampton University to use ultrasonic waves to create a complex structure of cells. The aim of this is to replicate cells normal conditions in the human body where cells would interact with each other and be in an organised 3D form. This technique allows us to imitate tumours seen in the human body and test anti-cancer drugs more accurately. This has been published and the full article can be found https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5082603.
Exciting future research will look at patients with liver tumours undergoing surgical intervention. The research will study the role of stem cells during liver regeneration.
This current research project is fully funded by LAPRD until 2020.
Mogib is has made important strides using a novel method to grow liver and liver stem cells. This unique method means that these cells can now live and function for up to two weeks in the laboratory. The technique allows the generation of mature liver cells (from stem cells) and this will enable researchers to test if the cells are able to tolerate anti-cancer treatment. This research has successfully optimised conditions suitable for stem cells, liver cells and most recently cancer cells. Preliminary results of this interesting practice have been recognised and were presented to the national conference ‘The British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) Annual Meeting, York 2018’.
In addition to the research above the team have also been working with the Faculty of Engineering at Southampton University to use ultrasonic waves to create a complex structure of cells. The aim of this is to replicate cells normal conditions in the human body where cells would interact with each other and be in an organised 3D form. This technique allows us to imitate tumours seen in the human body and test anti-cancer drugs more accurately. This has been published and the full article can be found https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5082603.
Exciting future research will look at patients with liver tumours undergoing surgical intervention. The research will study the role of stem cells during liver regeneration.
This current research project is fully funded by LAPRD until 2020.
