Project 1: Characterising the neural potential of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells in comparison to other mesenchymal stem cell sources for neural stem cell generation And Project 2: Investigating the role of the dynamic synaptic cleft size and its role in plastic processes

Foale, Simon (2014). Project 1: Characterising the neural potential of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells in comparison to other mesenchymal stem cell sources for neural stem cell generation And Project 2: Investigating the role of the dynamic synaptic cleft size and its role in plastic processes. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Project 1: Generating novel neurons in vitro would be beneficial for replacement therapies, however accessing neural stem cells is dangerous. This study focused on characterizing the neural induced stem cells from three mesenchymal stem cell sources, adipose, bone marrow and dental pulp, through semi-quantitative PCR analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Dental pulp stem cells showed the fewest mesenchymal signs prior to induction, however both adipose and bone marrow stem cells showed a reduction after treatment. This study suggests that CD133 and vimentin are promising targets to indicate neural/mesenchymal phenotypes. No cell type was found to be favourable for neural induction. Project 2: Synaptic cleft size is likely to play a role in endogenous long-term potentiation (LTP). Smaller synaptic clefts will allow efficient transfer of neurotransmitters. Previous investigations into the synaptic cleft size have relied on fixation, altering the synaptic structure, creating inaccurate results. We used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy with lipophilic dyes, DiI and DiO, to indirectly measure synaptic cleft size in vitro. We have shown the use of FRET microscopy to examine dynamic changes in neuronal populations. Our data suggests an enlargement of synaptic clefts following aldehyde fixation. Unexpectedly, the synaptic cleft also appears to enlarge after forskolin induced LTP.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):