STEM CELL GLYCOMICS

Project leader
Leena Valmu , Ph.D., Docent, R&D Manager, Cell Surface Analytics Laboratory, Finnish Red Cross Blood Service
 
Research group
Heidi Anderson, Ph.D.; Kari Aranko, M.D., Ph.D.; Tia Hirvonen, M.Sc.; Ulla Impola, Ph.D.; Annika Kotovuori, M.Sc.; Teija Kupari, Lab.tech.; Anita Laitinen, M.Sc.; Saara Laitinen, Ph.D.; Sirkka Mannelin, Lab.tech.; Suvi Natunen, Ph.D.; Johanna Nystedt, Ph.D.; Jukka Partanen, Ph.D.; Virve Pitkänen, M.Sc.; Birgitta Rantala, lab.tech.; Ilja Ritamo, M.Sc.(Tech).; Iris Tallus, Lab.tech.; Sari Tiitinen, Ph.D.; Minna Tiittanen, Ph.D.

Background
Human stem cells possess enormous potential for future regenerative medicine. These cells are capable of renewal and differentiation into several cell types. Adult stem cells from one tissue are able to develop into cells characteristic of one or several other types of tissue. The best-known sources of human adult stem cells are bone marrow and umbilical cord blood.
Glycans are known to have an important impact in developmental biology. Only lately, mainly after technological development in glycoscience, the well earned status has been awarded to the glycocalyx covering all cell surfaces. Stem cell surface glycans is hypothesized to hold unique features responsible for multiple tasks in stem cell biology.

Aim
The project aims to develop glycobiological means for identification, isolation, propagation, differentiation, preservation and quality control of human adult stem cells and therapeutic stem cell products.

Priority areas
Characterization of glyco structures on stem cells, and apply them in
a. Identification of stem cell-specific surface structures
b. Development of methods for stem cell isolation
c. Development of optimal culture and preservation conditions for stem cells
d. Mobilization, homing and migration of stem cells
e. Development of characterization and validation methods for stem cell products

Main collaborators
Glykos Finland Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
Prof. Petri Lehenkari, Clinical Research Center, University of Oulu, Finland
Prof. Timo Otonkoski, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Finland
Dr. Timo Tuuri, Infertility Clinic, Family Federation of Finland

Selected publications
Hemmoranta H, Satomaa T, Blomqvist M, Heiskanen A, Aitio O, Saarinen J, Natunen J, Partanen J, Lainen J, Jaatinen T. N-glycan structures and associated gene expression reflect the characteristic N-glycosylation pattern of human hematopoetic stem and progenitor cells. Exp Hematol 2007
Heiskanen A, Satomaa T, Tiitinen S, Laitinen A, Mannelin S, Impola U, Mikkola M, Olsoon C, Miller-Podraza H, Blomqvist M, Olonen A, Salo H, Lehenkari P, Tuuri T, Otonkoski T, natunen J, Saarinen J, Laine J. N-glycolylneuraminic acid xenoantigen contamination of human embryonic and mesenchymal stem cells is substantially reversible. Stem Cells 2007.

Patent applications
Several patent applications are pending

Funding
Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (TEKES) supports the project

Contact
Leena Valmu
E-mail: firstname.lastname(at)bts.redcross.fi