Periodic Reporting for period 5 - bloodANDbone (Blood and bone – conjoined twins in health and disease: bone marrow analogs for hematological and musculoskeletal diseases)
Reporting period: 2023-05-01 to 2023-12-31
To gain a deep understanding of the mutual interaction between the regenerative systems of blood and bone, we developed in vitro models of the human bone marrow in health and disease with the help of tailor-made biomaterials. These models allowed us to investigate how the regenerative balance of the bone marrow is maintained in health and disturbed in leukemia, multiple myeloma and bone metastasis.
In our studies, MSCs emerged as key regulators in the crosstalk of the bone marrow regenerative systems in health and the studied diseases. Furthermore, we found strong donor dependencies in these mutual relationships highlighting the importance of developing individualized treatment concepts. To address this need, we showed in a proof-of-principle study the possibility to create patient cell-derived in vitro models of bone marrow. These models could be applied e.g. for drug testing in individualized medicine approaches. The results hold significance for the development of future treatments for patients suffering from hematological and musculoskeletal diseases.
In conclusion, our research successfully elucidated fundamental principles and consequences of cellular interactions within the human bone marrow in health and disease, offering insights with implications for both fundamental science and the advancement of regenerative therapies.
The results were patented where applicable, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at numerous scientific meetings. Further publications are in preparation or currently under review. Furthermore, the public was informed about the conducted research at the institute and applied technologies e.g. during the Science Night 2023 in Hannover.