User Profile
Corporate
Careers
FAQ
Blog
Pricing
Social
General Modals
Advanced Modals
Search
Wizards
Stem cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
(4.5/5) - 4 reviews
I have 30 years of expertise in human genetics, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine. I have set up clinical trials and am licensed by regulatory agencies. I am happy to share this experience through this visiting fellowship focusing on stem cells and their application in regenerative medicine.
Main Areas of Interest
The primary approach in our research group is to use pluripotent stem cells to mimic human development using in vitro model systems. The experience of deriving human embryonic stem cells in 2003 led to a broader interest in pluripotent stem cell biology. This enabled my team to describe for the first time the difference in transcriptional profile and signaling pathways between human and mouse embryonic stem cells and the intrinsic link between the maintenance of pluripotency and cell cycle control. Pursuing novel differentiation methods and mimicking embryonic development, we were able to generate long-term engrafting hematopoietic stem cells, a finding of great interest in the field, which was published in Cell Stem Cells and accompanied by several press releases.
Following Yamanaka’s seminal discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), our group was one of the first in the UK and EU to embrace the technique and use it successfully for studies of reprogramming, differentiation, and disease modeling. With this expertise, my group was an important contributor to the IMI1-funded hiPSC initiative “STEMBANCC,” which involved the cooperation of multiple EU academic and large pharma companies. During this project, our group derived and characterized over 450 patient-specific hiPSCs, which are currently used worldwide for studies of neurodegeneration and drug discovery.
A cornerstone of our work has been the clinical implementation of stem cell therapy in patients with total and severe limbal stem cell deficiency. Work carried out in my group in collaboration with Prof. Figueiredo has resulted in the development of a GMP-compatible culture system for the expansion of limbal epithelial cells, which have been transplanted into patients with unilateral limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency. In the last 15 years, 34 patients have been transplanted successfully and now have greatly improved vision and quality of life. This is the first example of corneal transplantations in the UK carried out in the absence of any animal-derived ingredients, which was awarded orphan designation status by EMA in 2013 (EU/3/13/1168).
Our parallel research programme aims to perfect the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into fully laminated retinal structures capable of recapitulating the function of a human retina in vivo. Funded by an ERC Consolidator Award, my group has established an efficient differentiation system to generate optic cup structures, which undergo further differentiation to form a laminated neural retina containing all retinal cell types. Importantly, these structures not only resemble the human retina in structure but also respond to light stimulation by generating measurable electrophysiological signals. This work has been showcased in EU press releases (link).
This achievement provides an unparalleled opportunity to use this technology in constructing models of retinal disease. We have established hiPSCs from patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), corrected the faulty genes using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and are currently designing gene therapy trials in collaboration with Prof. Robin Ali at King's College London. With the same technology, we have targeted reporter genes to key retinal factors that control rod and cone commitment, enabling us to track their emergence during the differentiation process. This has allowed us to delineate their transcriptome at the single-cell level and study their engraftment in degenerate retinas, leading to proof-of-concept early translational studies of human photoreceptor transplants in animal models of advanced retinal degeneration.
In the last three years, funded by MRC and BBSRC UK, our research team has generated single-cell maps of adult and developing human cornea and retina in both normal steady-state and disease conditions. The publication reporting the first integrated single-cell atlas of the human cornea was published in the prestigious Ocular Surface journal and was the subject of a BBC5 live interview with Naga Munchetty on March 19, 2021. These data have been extremely useful for assessing the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry genes in the upper airways and ocular surface, enabling us to interact closely and share data freely with groups working under the Human Cell Atlas initiative. This joint work is featured in five recent manuscripts published in Nature Medicine, Circulation, Ocular Surface, and Stem Cells Translational Medicine, and several press releases (link).
In recognition of these efforts, we were awarded BBSRC funding to further explore SARS-CoV-2 infection of the ocular surface.
Corneal Epithelial Cell Biology and Clinical Applications
- Research Focus: Investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing corneal epithelial stem cells, their maintenance, and differentiation.
- Clinical Applications: Developing advanced therapeutic strategies for corneal epithelial defects, injuries, and degenerative diseases, including ex vivo expansion and transplantation techniques.
Pluripotent Stem Cells
- Derivation: Techniques for the derivation of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from various sources.
- Characterization: Comprehensive profiling of pluripotency markers, genetic stability, and differentiation potential.
- Applications: Utilizing pluripotent stem cells to generate retinal and corneal lineages for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
Gene Editing
- Technologies: Application of CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, and other gene-editing tools for precise genetic modifications.
- Research Objectives: Functional genomics studies, creation of knockout/knock-in models, and correction of genetic mutations in retinal and corneal cells.
Gene Therapy
- Approaches: Development and optimization of viral (e.g., AAV) and non-viral delivery systems for therapeutic genes targeting retinal and corneal diseases.
- Targets: Treating inherited retinal diseases and corneal dystrophies through gene augmentation, silencing, and editing strategies.
Cell Transplantation
- Techniques: Isolation, culture, and differentiation of stem cells for transplantation into the retina and cornea.
- Applications: Strategies for the transplantation of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells into degenerative retinas and corneal epithelial cells into damaged corneas.
- Integration and Function: Studying the survival, integration, and functional recovery post-transplantation in preclinical models.
Disease Modelling
- Stem Cell Models: Using iPSCs and ESCs to generate patient-specific retinal and corneal disease models.
- Applications: Modeling inherited retinal diseases, corneal dystrophies, and degenerative conditions for pathophysiological studies and drug testing.
- High-throughput Screening: Employing retinal and corneal stem cell-derived models in high-throughput screening platforms for drug discovery.
Drug Discovery
- Screening Platforms: Development of robust retinal and corneal stem cell-based assays for drug screening and toxicity testing.
- Applications: Identification and validation of novel therapeutic compounds using disease-specific retinal and corneal models.
- Pharmacological Studies: Investigating drug mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety in retinal organoids and corneal cell cultures.
Specialties
Techniques You Will Learn
Ex Vivo Expansion and Differentiation of Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells: Techniques for growing corneal epithelial stem cells outside the body and inducing their differentiation into mature corneal epithelial cells. Essential for developing cell-based therapies for corneal diseases.
Derivation and Characterisation of Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods for deriving pluripotent stem cells from various sources and characterizing them to ensure their ability to differentiate into any cell type. This includes assessing genetic stability, pluripotency markers, and differentiation potential.
Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Corneal and Retinal Lineages: Protocols for directing pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into specific cell types found in the cornea and retina, crucial for developing therapies for ocular diseases.
AAV Transduction of RPE Cells and Retinal Organoids: Use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to introduce genetic material into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and retinal organoids, applied in gene therapy and functional studies.
Vascularisation of Retinal Organoids: Techniques to promote the formation of blood vessels within retinal organoids, enhancing the physiological relevance of these models and allowing the study of diseases affecting retinal vasculature.
Photoreceptor Transplantation into Retinas of Mouse Models with Retinal Degeneration: Methods for transplanting photoreceptor cells into the retinas of mice with retinal degeneration to study cell integration and functional recovery, aiming to restore vision.
Drug Screening Using RPE Cells and Retinal Organoids: Developing and using retinal pigment epithelial cells and retinal organoids to screen for potential drugs. These models provide a relevant environment to test the efficacy and safety of new therapeutic compounds for ocular diseases.
Curriculum
Welcome and Initial Setup
Desk and Equipment Access:
- Upon arrival, you will be assigned a personal desk equipped with necessary office supplies.
- You will receive login credentials for lab computers and access details for specialized software and databases.
- Ensure to familiarize yourself with the lab's safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Orientation and Basic Training
Lab Orientation:
- Introduction to lab members and overview of ongoing projects.
- Tour of the lab facilities, including cell culture rooms, microscopy suites, and molecular biology workstations.
- Overview of lab protocols, data management systems, and ethical guidelines.
Basic Training:
- Safety training and certification.
- Training on general lab equipment and techniques, such as pipetting, cell culture, and microscopy.
- Introduction to the lab's data management system.
Core Techniques and Initial Experiments
Techniques You Can Learn:
- Ex Vivo Expansion and Differentiation of Corneal Epithelial Stem Cells: Hands-on training on growing and differentiating corneal epithelial stem cells.
- Derivation and Characterisation of Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods to derive and characterize pluripotent stem cells, including assessments of genetic stability and pluripotency markers.
- Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Corneal and Retinal Lineages: Protocols for directing stem cells to differentiate into corneal and retinal cell types.
Advanced Techniques and Application
Advanced Techniques:
- AAV Transduction of RPE Cells and Retinal Organoids: Training on the use of adeno-associated virus for gene delivery into retinal cells and organoids.
- Vascularisation of Retinal Organoids: Techniques to induce blood vessel formation within retinal organoids.
- Photoreceptor Transplantation into Retinas of Mouse Models with Retinal Degeneration: Methods for transplanting photoreceptor cells into mouse retinas.
Application to Projects:
- Start applying learned techniques to ongoing lab projects.
- Work under the supervision of senior researchers to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
Independent Research and Collaboration
Independent Research:
- Design and conduct your own experiments within the scope of the lab’s research areas, such as adult stem cell biology, clinical applications, pluripotent stem cell biology, retinal disease, or gene editing/gene therapy.
- Analyze data and troubleshoot experiments with guidance from senior lab members.
Collaboration and Co-Authorship:
- Collaborate with lab members on larger projects, contributing to experimental design, data collection, and analysis.
- Opportunities for co-authorship on publications if you work in the lab for 12 weeks or more and make significant contributions to the research.
Ongoing Responsibilities and Opportunities
Weekly Lab Meetings:
- Present your progress and receive feedback during weekly lab meetings.
- Engage in discussions about new research findings and methodologies.
Professional Development:
- Attend seminars and workshops offered by the lab and affiliated institutions.
- Explore opportunities for further training in specialized techniques and methodologies.
Co-Authorship and Networking:
- Potential to co-author research papers and present findings at conferences if you contribute significantly to a project.
- Build a professional network by collaborating with other researchers and participating in academic events.
Continuous Learning:
- Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in your field of interest.
- Seek mentorship and guidance from senior researchers to advance your career in stem cell research and therapy.
Accommodation
- Accommodation is facilitated by Newcastle University, depending on availability.
- You may also consider options on Airbnb.com for short-term stays.
- Our fellows and post-docs can assist you in finding cheaper accommodation or homestay options.
Fees and Program Logistics
This program has the following durations available:
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $875.00 |
This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.
Who Can Apply
Biomedical sciences and Physicians who have completed their graduation
Host Details
Host Name: Prof. Majlinda Lako
Affiliation: Newcastle university
Address: Newcastle University, Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3 BZ, United Kingdom
Website URL: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/majlindalako.html
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.
Legal & Affiliation Disclaimer
Affiliation Disclaimer: Trialect operates independently and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or supported by any sponsors or organizations posting on the GrantsBoard platform. As an independent aggregator of publicly available funding opportunities, Trialect provides equal access to information for all users without endorsing any specific funding source, content, organization, or sponsor. Trialect assumes no responsibility for the content posted by sponsors or third parties.
Subscription Disclaimer: Upon logging into Trialect, you may choose to SUBSCRIBE to GrantsBoard for timely notifications of funding opportunities and to access exclusive benefits, such as priority alerts, reminders, personalized recommendations, and additional application support. However, users are advised to contact sponsors directly for any questions and are not required to subscribe to engage with funding opportunities.
Content Ownership and Copyright Disclaimer: Trialect respects the intellectual property rights of all organizations and individuals. All content posted on GrantsBoard is provided solely for informational purposes and remains the property of the original owners. Trialect does not claim ownership of, nor does it have any proprietary interest in, content provided by third-party sponsors. Users are encouraged to verify content and ownership directly with the posting sponsor.
Fair Use Disclaimer: The information and content available on GrantsBoard are compiled from publicly accessible sources in alignment with fair use principles under U.S. copyright law. Trialect serves as an aggregator of this content, offering it to users in good faith and with the understanding that it is available for public dissemination. Any organization or individual who believes their intellectual property rights have been violated is encouraged to contact us for prompt resolution.
Third-Party Posting Responsibility Disclaimer: Trialect is a neutral platform that allows third-party sponsors to post funding opportunities for informational purposes only. Sponsors are solely responsible for ensuring that their postings comply with copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Trialect assumes no liability for any copyright or intellectual property infringements in third-party content and will take appropriate action to address any substantiated claims.
Accuracy and Verification Disclaimer: Trialect makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided by sponsors. Users are advised to verify the details of any funding opportunity directly with the sponsor before taking action. Trialect cannot be held liable for any discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies in third-party postings.
Notice and Takedown Policy: Trialect is committed to upholding copyright law and protecting the rights of intellectual property owners. If you believe that content on GrantsBoard infringes your copyright or intellectual property rights, please contact us with detailed information about the claim. Upon receipt of a valid notice, Trialect will promptly investigate and, where appropriate, remove or disable access to the infringing content.
Onsite/On-Campus Program
Fellowship - Basic/Translational/Clinical Research Program
United Kingdom
Application Review Deadline:
Dec 15th, 2025
Featured Reviews
4.5
4 reviews
Excellent
Very good
Average
Poor
Terrible
🌟 Overall Sentiment: Highly Positive
Most participants rated the Stem cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine program 5/5. They highlighted its impact on their professional and academic growth, praising its informative sessions, knowledgeable mentors, and valuable hands-on clinical research experience. Participants also valued the opportunity to publish research, collaborate with others, and gain cultural exposure.
Key Strengths
- 🧑🔬 Hands-on Clinical Research Experience – Participants gained exposure to clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, and various research methodologies.
- 👨🏫 Supportive & Knowledgeable Mentors – The program mentors were praised for their expertise and guidance.
- 🤝 Collaboration & Networking – Participants had opportunities to publish research articles and make long-term professional connections.
- 🌍 Cultural & Professional Exposure – Participants had the chance to immerse in French culture, practice language skills, and explore new research environments.
Indeed I completed a two week program in the laboratory of Prof. Lako at Newcastle University in England from November 18-29, 2024. While there I had an opportunity to acquire hands on experience with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) under cell culture conditions and grow them towards organoid formation, learning a lot in the process.
I very much enjoyed my time in the lab and interacting with members of Prof Lako's group. I'm considering subscribing to perhaps another of the opportunities provided by Trialect in the future again to further my understanding and exposure to these important cells.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Review and Highlights:
The fellowship at Newcastle University was extremely valuable, providing me with practical, hands-on experience in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The program was well-structured and allowed me to gain insights into the different types of research being conducted in Prof. Majlinda Lakos’ lab, as well as allowing me to network with various researchers.
Improvements:
Consider providing more hands-on lab work, and the degree of the complexity of the work should be dependent on the experience of the research fellow.
Visa Process:
No visa was required since I am a British national.
Travel and Accommodations:
The location was great, with plenty of options for accommodation and dining.
Overall Rating:
5
- Review and Highlights: What stood out or was most valuable during your fellowship
- The fellowship was great, because it gave a general understanding how stem cells can be used in various researches. The staff is very open-minded and friendly. Their expertise is shown through their work and dedication.
- Improvements: Any suggestions on how we can enhance the program
- Optimising the time schedule
- Visa Process: Any suggestions regarding the type of visa and tips for success
- Since I'm South Korean I needed only an ETA, so no visa needed, it was very easily done with an app (the official UK ETA app)
- Travel and Accommodations: Any recommendations on accommodations and nearby eating places
- Newcastle upon Tyne is generally safe. Since the location of the institute is next to the train station, which surprisingly is clean and safe, Holiday Inn is a great place. I stayed in the Staybridge hotel, which was 15 mins walk from the institute, but I wouldn't recommend that place for people who don't like walking.
- Overall Rating: Please rate your experience on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being outstanding)
- 4.5 just because it felt a bit shorter than it should have been. Also the paperwork for Trialect, NCL and my institution was nightmarish. (separately not, but when three different institutions require different paperwork it tolls on you)
Review and Highlights: What stood out or was most valuable during your fellowship
One of the most valuable aspects of my fellowship was the support I received from the lab team. Although I was visiting and not fully integrated into ongoing lab projects, the team made a genuine effort to involve me. They took the time to teach me and provided hands-on opportunities, which allowed me to gain a much more practical and immersive experience rather than simply observing passively.
Improvements: Suggestions to Enhance the Program
One area that could be improved is the alignment between the fellows’ backgrounds and the host lab's expectations. It seemed that the host had limited information about our individual academic and professional experiences and needs, and may not have reviewed our CVs thoroughly before the placement. This led to a mismatch between our expectations and the actual content and focus of the fellowship. As we came from very different academic and research backgrounds, some of us found the lab work and materials less relevant . Better pre-placement communication and matching could help future fellows get the most out of the experience.
Visa Process: Tips and Suggestions
I did not need to go through a visa process
Travel and Accommodations: Recommendations
I sublet a room through Facebook, as staying in a hotel for two weeks was not affordable for me. For future fellows in a similar situation
Overall Rating
4 out of 5
Program Logistics and Administrative Fees
This program has the following durations available:
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $875.00 |
This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.
Who Can Apply
Biomedical sciences and Physicians who have completed their graduation
Host Details
Host Name: Prof. Majlinda Lako
Affiliation: Newcastle university
Address: Newcastle University, Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3 BZ, United Kingdom
Website URL: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/people/profile/majlindalako.html
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.
Questions and Answers
Commonly asked questions about this program from the host and other attendees.
Invite Gmail Contacts