Members of the project are strongly involved in popularization of science among lay public. They often present their scientific achievements in educational and science program on national TV and radio. In the case of high-impact achievements or awards they were also invited to present in prime-time news programs. Project leader also presented designer cell-based device for chronic wound healing in entrepreneur TV show ''Prava ideja''. She also presented various aspects of neurodegeneration in TV shows ''Ugriznimo znanost'' and '' Dobro jutro''.
D.10 Educational activities
COBISS.SI-ID: 5844250We prepared a therapeutic device comprising cells secreting a combination of therapeutic proteins, where the cells preferably are located in a container which enables the exchange of nutrients and therapeutic proteins. The present invention provides a device comprising cells secreting a combination of therapeutic proteins, and the use of device for the treatment of diseases and injuries in which therapeutic proteins are effective.
F.32 International patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 5674522Cell-based therapy is emerging as the next pillar of therapeutic intervention as it mimics the natural regenerative processes with reduced systemic side effects in comparison with conventional pharmaceutical therapy. The diabetics, immunocompromised, the patients with venous leg and pressure ulcer as well as certain bacteria-infected patients can develop chronic wounds, which do not heal well and do not follow the normal stages of wound healing. Among the strategies for treatment of these disorders, stem cells are emerging as one of the most promising approaches. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a variety of different cell types that could replace the damaged tissue but perhaps even more important is their ability to secrete a plethora of trophic factors promoting regeneration. The basis of our approach is to replace stem cells by engineered therapeutic cells producing trophic factors, such as VEGFa, known to be efficient in tissue repair and wound healing. The production of growth factors by engineered cells was confirmed by the Western blot and ELISA. The healing effect of engineered cells was confirmed by in vitro scratch assay on NIH3T3 fibroblast mouse cell line, mouse skin organ culture and by a significant effect on wound closure in vivo using mouse dorsal splinted excisional wound model on C57BL/6J mice. Our results emphasize the importance of paracrine effects of stem cell therapy, which is not limited to wound healing, but could be used in a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 5600794Pregl award for excellent achievements was awarded to dr. Iva Hafner Bratkovič for her work on molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly on the mechanisms of prion protein conversion and the mechanisms of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Iva Hafner Bratkovič also engages into work with youth. She coordinated extremely successful project: Life sciences researchers:the next generation.
E.01 National awards
COBISS.SI-ID: 5843226The project leader coordinated the project ''Life sciences researchers: the next generation'' which was financed in part by EU Social Fund and Slovenian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport. It was a consortium project of three research institutions and 13 high schools from different Slovenian regions. We organized research camps, round tables, excursions to our labs, workshops on schools, scientific lectures and research work of high-school students in the state-of-the-art laboratories. There were over 4500 high school student participations (some students participated in more than one activity) in our activities. The main aim of the project is to bring up a new generation of motivated and interdisciplinary young scientists with high ethical standards.
D.01 Chairing over/coordinating (international and national) projects
COBISS.SI-ID: 275025920