Double iPSpine PhD graduation

On March 20th and 24th, Lisanne Laagland and Xiaole Tong completed and defended their PhD at Utrecht University!

Lisanne’s thesis entitled “Breaking the Vicious Circle of Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration: Exploring Advanced Treatment Options for Lower Back Pain“ included findings that highlight that the combination of factors derived of healthy disc tissue together with a suitable cell source seems promising to address important levels in the vicious circle of disc degeneration. This advanced treatment strategy shows the potential to functionally restore the intervertebral disc, enabling sustained pain relief.

Xiaole’s thesis entitled “Advancing stem cell-based technologies for intervertebral disc regeneration. Exploring biology-driven cues to improve iPSCs differentiation toward notochordal-like cells“, builds on the potential of advanced stem cells the so called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their ability to differentiate into juvenile disc cells (iNLCs = iPS-derived notochordal like cells) and produce healthy disc tissue. Transferring iNLC-based therapies towards the clinic is currently limited by challenges in achieving optimal differentiation and cell purification. To address key bottlenecks, in the thesis, a multidisciplinary approach has been employed to inform iNLC therapeutic strategies.

Congrats to the new doctors!