Aims of the Project
Aim 1: Methylome analysis to establish MultiStem Identity: identify genomic regions for which methylation status discriminates between MultiStem and MSC in a donor-independent fashion.
Aim 2: Identification of epigenetic marks to assess MultiStem quality: select a panel of genes of which methylation status is predictive for the biological function and safety of MultiStemn in order to determine the usability of the cells from a particular donor.
Aim 3: Telomere biology of MultiStem as predictor of stem cell expansion: use the correlation between telomere biology (telomere length), telomerase activity) and the number of cell divisions that MultiStem can undergo, In order to decide whether the cells are suitable for the large scale expansions that are required for clinical production.