Research Assistant: Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles in Regenerative Medicine

Term: Semester
Type: Research
Major discipline: Biology, Biomedicine / Biotechnology, Chemistry / Biochemistry
Related discipline: Pre-Medicine / Health Science
Available: Fall, Spring
Location: Copenhagen
Credits: 6

Introduction to the topic:

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) are at the forefront of regenerative medicine due to their remarkable therapeutic potential. MSCs are multipotent stromal cells capable of differentiating into various regenerative cell types, with promising applications as MSC-based therapies for a range of diseases. EVs are small particles released by cells that mediate many of the therapeutic effects of MSCs, making them a promising tool for cell-free therapies.

Project details:

This research project explores the mechanisms by which MSCs and their EVs promote tissue regeneration, with a particular emphasis on angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and neurogenesis (generation of new neurons). Students will participate in a multidisciplinary investigation, ranging from molecular biology techniques to the analysis of cell behavior in vitro and potentially in vivo. The outcomes of this research may facilitate the development of innovative cell-free therapies for complex diseases and injuries, including those affecting the nervous and circulatory systems. This project offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge biomedical research and contribute to advances with real-world impact for patients.

Students will engage in laboratory work, including cell culture, EV isolation, and functional assays such as tube formation and neurite outgrowth. They will analyze and interpret experimental data, review relevant literature, prepare a research paper, and present their findings. Participants will gain practical skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication while collaborating in a multidisciplinary international research environment. As the project spans multiple semesters, not all students will participate in every experimental phase.

Selected relevant publications:

Soltani, S., Mansouri, K., Emami, S., Moasefi, N., Yavari, N., Shakouri, K., Notararigo, S., Shojaeian A., Pociot F., Reza Y (2022). Extracellular Vesicle Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes. Frontiers in Immunology (13).https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.865782
Soltani, S., Mansouri, K., Parvaneh, S., Thakor A., Pociot F., Reza Y (2022). Diabetes complications and extracellular vesicle therapy. Rev Endocr Metab Disord (23), 357–385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-021-09680-y
Chidester, S., Livinski, Alicia A., Fish, Anne F., Joseph, Paule V (2020). The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in β-Cell Function and Viability: A Scoping Review. Frontiers in Immunology (13). https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00375

Prerequisites

One year of biology and one year of chemistry at the university level.

Additional research application required

You will need to submit an additional research application through Student Registration in order to enroll in this course.

To submit your research application, you must already be admitted to DIS.

All research application materials must be submitted on the following dates by 23:59 Central European Time:

November 1 for spring semester applicants
May 1 for fall semester applicants

Complete your additional research application through Student Registration.

If you are not already enrolled, use this link to apply to DIS before completing a research application.

Syllabus

Spring 2025

Go to syllabus

Faculty

Reza Yarani

Faculty

Ph.D (Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2016). Assistant Professor, Translational Type 1 Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, 2021-Present. With DIS since 2023.

Research Assistantship FAQ

Learn more about research at DIS.

: Earning authorship within the course of a semester is challenging. Exceptional Research Assistants may be considered for co-authorship, subject to evaluation from the supervising Research Mentor.

Though you may not ultimately become an author on a published paper, you will gain many practical skills and insights into the publication process.

: Many research projects last across several semesters, so not all RAs on the same project will conduct the same research.

: On average, students in 3-credit Research Assistantships spend at least 10 hours a week on research tasks. These 10 hours per week consist of a variety of different research-related tasks, including conducting a literature review, data collection, analyses, coding, documentation, and meetings with your mentor. You may decide on a particular block of time (consistent each week) for you to carry out the work, or adjust it on a week-by-week basis.

Students in a 6-credit Research Assistantships spend an average of 20 hours per week with lab and clinically based research tasks. You decide the exact meeting and lab times with your supervisor, but your schedule consists of classes at DIS two days a week, with two days a week in the lab.

There may be peak times in the research process where all Research Assistant students are expected to spend a few more hours, and then possibly fewer hours another week – to reflect the individual research project and process.

: Work for the 3-credit Research Assistantships may take place outside DIS, on your own time at a location of your choosing, or at DIS – this varies from project to project. The 6-credit research assistantships generally take place at labs in Copenhagen or Stockholm outside DIS.

: Students with a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the 3-credit Research Assistant course. While some courses do have prerequisites, many opportunities do not require prior research experience.

The 6-credit Research Assistant opportunity is designed for highly motivated students who have a strong science background within the field of interest and some basic research experience. The student must be willing to commit a large portion of their semester to an engaging opportunity involving hands-on research in universities and medical institutes in Copenhagen or Stockholm.

Introduction to the topic:

Project details:

Prerequisites

Additional research application required

Syllabus

Spring 2025

Faculty

Reza Yarani

Research Assistantship FAQ

Will I publish a research paper?

What exactly will I do?

What is the time commitment for a 3-credit or 6-credit Research Assistantship?

Where is the research work carried out?

What type of student applies for the 3- and 6-credit Research Assistant courses?