Dr. JOSEP M. CANALS
Research Group: Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
Research Summary
The Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, led by Dr. Josep M. Canals, is a research group recognized by the Generalitat of Catalonia as a TECNIO center and integrated into Creatio, Center for the Production and Validation of Advanced Therapies of the University of Barcelona.
The multidisciplinary research group aims to develop advanced gene therapy, cell therapy and tissue engineering through 3D bioprinting, to offer innovative and effective treatments that can cure or alleviate human diseases, such as Huntington’s Disease. We carry out basic and translational research, regulatory preclinical and production of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products or ATMPs, for clinical use.
We are a group that places great emphasis on the application and clinical translation of our research. In the laboratory we use the knowledge and discoveries generated to establish accurate and robust in vitro and in vivo protocols to differentiate human stem cells into the different cell types that make up the central nervous system and transfer these protocols to the clinic. We develop and engineer 2D and 3D in vitro models to mimic the native conditions of the central nervous system, so-called brain-on-chips or microfluidic chambers and bioprinted 3D vascularized mini-brains. Additionally, we combine in vivo and in vitro therapies to generate chimeric models that allow us to better reproduce the physiological and anatomical characteristics of the central nervous system. Using data generated from in vitro and in vivo studies, and data from animal models, we developed in silico models that allow us to decode human striatal neurodevelopment and Huntington’s neurodegenerative disease. On the other hand, we support researchers and companies in carrying out preclinical studies and in the production of advanced therapy drugs for clinical use.
We firmly believe that therapeutic strategies carried out in the laboratory can be an essential pillar for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases through advanced therapies and thus contribute to improving the well-being of society.
Strategic lines
- In vitro differentiation of human stem cells into cells of the central nervous system: striatal, cortical, dopaminergic neurons.
- Development of alternative 2D and 3D in vitro models to the use of animals: Brain-on-chips and 3D bioprinting of vascularized mini-brains.
- In vivo neuronal reprogramming to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
- Chimeric in vivo models (human-mouse) for the study of neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases, and the development of advanced therapies.
- Development of in silico models for the study of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration of Huntington’s Disease and development of our therapies.
- Validation of products in development: preclinical studies under Good Laboratory Practices or GLP.
- Development, validation, and production of ATMPs for cell, gene therapy and 3D bioprinting, for clinical use under Good Manufacturing Practices or GMP: scaling, documentation, protocol validation, production, monitoring and quality control.
- Implementation of ATMP quality controls for patient safety.