The laboratory of Dr. Khaldoyanidi is focused on the basic biology of stem cells and on translational aspects of their use for tissue regeneration. The current projects include studies on somatic multipotent stem cells, such as hematopoietic stem cell (HSC), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs), as well as on pluripotent stem cell (ESC) lines.

The fate of stem cells depends on their interactions with the local microenvironment, i.e. the niche. Therefore, one of the aspects of Dr. Khaldoyanidi's research is to identify cells that contribute to the complex structure of the hematopoietic niche in bone marrow. In addition, the non-cellular compartment of the niche, including extracellular matrix molecules, chemokines, anaphylotoxins and cholinergic mediators is of interest. Ongoing studies are designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effect of these factors on the fate of stem cells and on the cross-talk between stem cell and the niche. We are also interested in understanding the mechanisms regulating differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC).

Transplantation of stem cells is a required procedure for treatment of many pathological conditions. When administered systemically, the efficiency of transplantation depends on the homing ability of stem cells. Dr. Khaldoyanidi's laboratory established a new in vitro method, based on the 3-dimesional (3D) flow chamber device, to investigate the effects of the organ-specific microenvironment on stem cell - endothelial cell interactions under physiological shear stress conditions, including rolling, adhesion, and transmigration across an endothelial layer. This approach can provide a basis for better understanding of the mechanisms regulating stem cell migration.

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