   
To advance progress in organ replacement therapies through the development of relevant pre-clinical models, a novel primate-based bladder augmentation model was established. Autologous mesenchymal stem cells grafted onto bladder post-cystectomy expressed relevant muscle markers and proliferated in the graft region, supporting physiologic recovery and regeneration of bladder tissue.
"A Non-Human Primate Model for Urinary Bladder Regeneration Utilizing Autologous Sources of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells." (Stem Cells)
Press Stem Cells l IBNAM News l Children's Memorial Hospital News Room l HealthLeaders l Science Daily Paper Link to Journal l Publications Page 
The regenerative applications of combining novel elastomeric scaffolds with a specific progenitor cell population were investigated in a collaboration with Dr. Guillermo Ameer (Northwestern University). Human mesenchymal stem cells seeded onto elastomeric thin films supported partial regeneration of bladder tissue in a rat augmentation model.
"Urinary bladder smooth muscle regeneration utilizing bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell seeded elastomeric poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) based thin films." (Biomaterials)
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Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells ("MSCs") and endothelial progenitor cells ("EPCs") were evaluated with regard to their potential in bladder tissue engineering. MSCs were shown to possess phenotypic and physiologic similarities to bladder smooth muscle cells, while EPCs demonstrated potential to provide vascularization for developing tissue; these results indicate utility for tissue graft composition. "Defined populations of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem and endothelial progenitor cells for urinary bladder regeneration." (Journal of Urology)
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Children's Memorial Hospital l Institute for BioNanotechnology in Medicine (IBNAM) Children's Memorial Research Center l Department of Urology at Northwestern University | 
