Abstract

Advanced Disease Modeling Utilizing Human Stem Cell-derived Cells

Verena Schwach, Assistant Professor, Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, current disease models are often not predictive enough because of species differences or lacking complexity. It is of major importance to create models able to predict the effect and toxicity of novel drugs and understand underlying disease models. We differentiate human pluripotent stem cells towards a variety of cells, which provides us with an unlimited source of human cells for 3D tissue engineering and disease modeling. Together with state-of-the-art CRISPR/Cas genome editing, we also generate in vitro models inherited disease.