Regenerative medicine and cell therapy are experiencing significant advancements in Taiwan, driven by the recent approval of various cell products under the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) framework. This development marks a crucial evolution in improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge medical strategies. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, acclaimed for its remarkable regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, is demonstrating immense potential in clinical trials aimed at tackling a broad range of regenerative and immune-related challenges. However, the field faces a challenge due to the limited number of experts who can effectively combine MSCs with biomaterials, mitochondrial transfer techniques, and immune modulation strategies. Addressing this gap is vital for ensuring the successful application of these therapies and realizing their full potential in clinical settings.
Regenerative medicine and cell therapy demand precision therapeutics for improved patient outcomes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with their robust regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, stand out as potent therapeutics for various conditions. In my laboratory, our focus is on exploring the therapeutic potential of MSCs in addressing immune-related diseases, including infectious diseases. With the diverse sources of MSCs in mind, our goal is to unravel the immunomodulatory properties and underlying mechanisms within tissue-resident MSCs. This exploration is designed to elevate therapeutic efficacy and precision in specific conditions.
- Development of Biomaterials: We aim to innovate biomaterials that enhance MSC immunomodulation and osteogenesis, specifically targeting the aging population, which will constitute a significant demographic in the future.
- Investigating Mitochondrial Transfer: We will explore the therapeutic advantages of MSCs in treating severe conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, by transferring functional mitochondria to restore cellular function.
- Exploring Immunomodulatory Properties: Our research will investigate the immunomodulatory characteristics of MSCs derived from diverse sources, deepening our understanding of their varied therapeutic applications.
Lab members:
- 陳品瑄 (undergraduate student): Best Oral Presentation Award in The 62nd Congress of Korean Association of Medical Technologists & International Conference (Advancing Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Therapy: The Role of Big Data in Transcriptomics and Clinical Trials); Third Place in 2024 TMU Teacher and Student Joint Academic Research Symposium (Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells offer a promising therapeutic approach for modulating inflammatory T cell responses in peri-implantitis driven by Porphyromonas gingivalislipopolysaccharide)
- 林妘霏 (undergraduate student): First Place in 2024 TMU SMLSB Poster Competition, Honorable Award in 2024 Formosa Association Regenerative Medicine Poster Competition, Second Place in 2025 Formosa Association Regenerative Medicine Poster Competition (Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy in Porphyromonas gingivalis-mediated severe aspiration pneumonia via modulation of lung macrophages)
- 廖羿婷 (undergraduate student): Second Place in 2024 TMU SMLSB Poster Competition, Honorable Award in 2025 Formosa Association Regenerative Medicine Poster Competition (Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells modulate lung macrophage responses and offer therapeutic potential for viral pneumonia)
- 陳芷瑜 (undergraduate student): Third Place in 2025 Formosa Association Regenerative Medicine Poster Competition (Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells show promise in diabetic ulcer treatment with targeted polymorphonuclear neutrophil modulation)
- Krupalakshmi S (TEEP student): Best Poster Presentation Award in Krupa 2nd International Conference SYMBIOT (Natural Killer Cell Activity Against Circulating Tumor Cells: The Role of Interferon-Alpha in Overcoming Platelet-Mediated Immune Evasion)
| EDUCATION | |
| Ph.D., Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan | 2010-2018 |
| M.A., Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan | 2006-2008 |
| B.A., Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan | 2001-2005 |
| TRAINING | |
Assistant Professor School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan | 2023/08-present |
Postdoctoral Fellow Institute for Regenerative Medicine Cell Biology and Genetics department, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, United States | 2023/02-2023/06 |
Research Scholar Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan | 2020/08-2023/01 |
Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan | 2018/08-2020/07 |
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and evaluate novel biomaterials that enhance the immunomodulatory and osteogenic capabilities of MSCs.
- Investigate the mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of MSC-mediated mitochondrial transfer. Evaluate the potential of MSCs to restore bioenergetics in cellular models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other critical illnesses.
- Isolate and compare MSCs derived from different tissue sources (e.g., adipose tissue, bone marrow, umbilical cord). Analyze MSC interactions with immune cells using in vitro co-culture systems and in vivo models of inflammatory diseases.
- Use molecular and cellular assays (e.g., flow cytometry, single-cell RNA-seq, cytokine profiling) to elucidate immunoregulatory mechanisms.
Preferred Intern Education Level
Undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a master's degree are welcome to apply to join my lab.
Skill sets or Qualities
Undergraduate students with a background in immunology are encouraged to apply.