Overview of the Company Technologies
ReInnervate specialises in the development of enabling technologies to facilitate research into cell growth and function in vitro, particularly in the field of stem cell biology. Aspects of the Company’s research are also suitable for development into diagnostic tools and have potential therapeutic applications.
Summary of ReInnervate’s research and development programme:
Applications to stem cell biology:
Stem cell biology has enormous potential to provide cells and tissues of specific types for use in research, the development of pharmaceuticals and cell replacement therapies. However, the production of tissues from stem cells is dependent on being able to direct cell differentiation in a robust and consistent way, and provide a suitable environment for cells to grow and function in a realistic manner. Scientists require new technologies and research tools to enable the control of cell differentiation as a step to realising the potential of stem cells. ReInnervate is developing three technologies in this area:
- Cell culture device for routine three-dimensional cell growth, to provide a more realistic environment to study cell differentiation and cell function in vitro.
- Design and production of synthetic retinoids which are chemically and physically stable to induce cell differentiation and facilitate reliable and reproducible biological activity.
- Identification and characterisation of biomarkers of stem cells and their differentiating derivatives to identify specific cell types and monitor the status of cell differentiation.
Development of Diagnostics:
Identification of biomarkers associated with particular cell types can in some cases be exploited and developed into indicators of certain types of disease. ReInnervate’s research team is using mass spectrometry to identify novel markers of neural stem cells. There is evidence that markers of neural stem cells are up-regulated in certain forms of brain cancer. Such biomarkers may therefore also serve as potential diagnostic and/or prognostic indicators of neural tumours.
Potential therapeutic applications:
The Company’s initial focus is on the development of technologies for in vitro use. We also recognise, however, that our work may have therapeutic applications in the longer term. For example, the development of synthetic retinoid analogues that have proven biological activity may also have useful applications for the treatment of certain types of cancer and skin disorders. In addition, our work with matrices for three-dimensional cell growth may also be advanced through the development of biodegradable supports for applications in tissue engineering and transplantation purposes.
Projects under development:
The Company has developed numerous procedures and biological assays involving stem cells and their differentiation. These are primarily for use in-house and the development of our primary technologies, however, this work has led to a number of new independent projects currently under development. For example, the development of an assay to assess the function of human motor neurons derived from pluripotent stem cells, which involves the co-culture of neurons with skeletal muscle cells, formation of neuro-muscular junctions and the subsequent pharmacological control of muscle contraction. This has potential commercial applications for the evaluation of anaesthetics and neuro-muscular blockers.