Subproject 3

Comparative investigation of the regeneration capacity of damaged or degenerated sphincter mucles in animal models and human mesenchymal stem cells of the bone marrow, fat and placenta

Methods currently used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are based on symptomatic approaches rather than on functional therapy. This project is aimed at restoring sphincter muscle function through the application of bone marrow, fat and placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The approach involves the application of in vitro expanded human MSCs, their integration into the urethral sphincter and the induced myogenic differentiation of the cells in a xenogenic large animal model (miniature pig).

The functional regeneration of the outer sphincter muscle of the urinary bladder will be assessed using histological methods as well as urodynamic measurements and radiological imaging methods (in close cooperation with subprojects TP1, TP5, TP6 and cross-sectional projects QP1 and QP2).

Once proof of the efficiency of the approach has been provided, the method will be adapted to GMP conditions with the objective of transferring the method as quickly as possible from the animal model into clinical development (this will be done in close cooperation with the service project).