Regulation of Wound Healing and Organogenesis

Inventors: Meenhard Herlyn and Jiri Kalabis

Tech ID: HM-0101, HM-00001

Description: The growth and reconstruction of skin and other tissues is a highly complex process that requires the appropriate support structure (scaffolding) as well as the appropriate sequence of induction of growth factors to stimulate epidermal, keratinocytic, and immune cells. Wistar scientists have developed an organotypic model for vascularized human skin. This model has been very useful to delineate the changes in gene expression that occurs during pathological and healing-associated changes of skin, colon, and other tissues. Using this system, Wistar researchers are systematically identifying the various genes, gene combinations, and scaffolding cells that will optimally support skin and organ reconstruction.

Recently this system has been utilized to establish other organotypic cultures, such as a colonic reconstruct. The colonic reconstruct more closely mimics in vivo functions of normal colon than cultured colonic cells. This system may be of particular use for measuring drug absorption and uptake in the gut.

Key Words: Tissue engineering, wound healing, therapeutic, gene expression, RNA expression, microarray, screening, screen, drug absorption, research tool

Applications and Advantages:This technology can be used to determine and deliver the genes necessary to support the growth of new skin and other tissues such as colon, breast, and pancreas.

Intellectual Property Status: This technology is described in PCT/US01/31555 and additional pending patent applications.

Licensing Opportunity: This technology is available for licensing or for sponsored research support.

Last Updated: Aug-02