Potential of stem cell therapy to treat Hirschsprung's disease
- Research Opportunity
- Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science
- Number of Honour Places Available
- 1
- Number of Master Places Available
- 1
- Department / Centre
- Paediatrics
- Location
- Royal Children’s Hospital/Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Primary Supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Doctor Lincon Stamp | lstamp@unimelb.edu.au | Personal web page |
Co-supervisor | Number | Webpage | |
---|---|---|---|
Associate Professor Sebastian King | Sebastian.King@rch.org.au | Personal web page | |
Doctor Marlene Hao | hao.m@unimelb.edu.au |
Summary Stem cell therapy, where missing enteric neurons are replaced, is an exciting area area of research. In this project, we are using a rat model of Hirschsprung Disease to investigate the clinical application of cell therapy for Hirschsprung patients.
Project Details
Hirschsprung's Disease arises from the failure of neural crest cells to migrate to the anal end of the colon, resulting in a lack of enteric neurons in the unpopulated region. As the enteric nervous system (ENS) is crucial for gastrointestinal function, there is no propulsive activity in the aganglionic region and there is a build-up of gut contents, which can prove fatal if left untreated. HSCR patients currently undergo "pull-through" surgery to remove the aganglionic region of bowel. Whilst this is life-saving, most patients suffer chronic, long-term complications, including constipation, faecal soiling, and associated psychosocial problems. Stem cell therapy, where missing enteric neurons are replaced, is an exciting area area of research. In this project, we are using a rat model of Hirschsprung Disease to investigate the clinical application of cell therapy for Hirschsprung patients.
Faculty Research Themes
School Research Themes
Research Opportunities
Honours students, Master of Biomedical Science
Students who are interested in joining this project will need to consider their elegibility as well as other requirements before contacting the supervisor of this research
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact a supervisor.
Department / Centre
Research Node
Royal Children’s Hospital/Murdoch Childrens Research InstituteMDHS Research library
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