Overview
Back pain is a widespread problem that significantly impacts quality of life and causes considerable healthcare costs. A primary cause of back pain is the degeneration of intervertebral discs, leading to the loss of water content and disc height. Therefore, identifying suitable cells for regeneration is crucial. In our project, we focus on the research of Nucleus Pulposus Progenitor Cells (NPPC) and their isolation using Electrical Impedance Cell Sorting (EIS), an innovative, label-free method.
A key focus of our project is on Omics analyses in the bovine model. These analyses are fundamental for understanding the cellular processes involved in disc regeneration. By studying gene expression patterns and other Omics data in the bovine model, we gain deep insights into the molecular mechanisms that play a role in disc regeneration. These insights are essential for developing effective therapies for back pain.
The combination of advanced cell sorting techniques like EIS with detailed Omics analyses offers tremendous potential for developing new therapeutic approaches. Through the collaboration of an interdisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, and spine surgeons, we aim to develop a device with clinical and translational relevance. Our goal is to usher in a new era in the treatment of degenerative disc diseases, thereby improving the quality of life for millions of people suffering from back pain.
