Center for Zoonoses Research at the University of Illinois
Veterinary Student Summer Training Program
2008 Mentor Profile
Suzanne Berry
Assistant Professor,
Veterinary Biosciencees
Title
Project Description:
Exploring the neural potential of mesoangioblast stem cells.
Our research group has isolated a population of myogenic stem cells from vessels, known as mesoangioblasts. We have used these stem cells to promote regeneration of skeletal muscle in a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Unexpectedly, these cells also formed myelinating glial cells in peripheral nerve bundles of skeletal muscle as well as muscle fibers. We are following up on these results by using different culture conditions to promote mesoangioblast differentiation into the neural/glial lineage in vitro. The summer project will involve testing multiple culture conditions to promote neural or glial differentiation of mesoangioblasts, developing an in vitro assay for promoting myelination of axons by mesoangioblasts, and potentially assisting in surgical procedures for transplanting differentiated and undifferentiated mesoangioblasts into a mouse model for multiple sclerosis. Students will gain experience in culturing murine stem cells, differentiating stem cells in vitro, immunostaining, fluorescent microscopy, and potentially animal surgery.
Dr. Berry's biosketch page
View a video about Dr. Berry's current research