Welcome on our page!

Welcome to the MicroTeam website led by Prof. dr. hab. Ewa Zuba-Surma. The work conducted in our team focuses on the use of stem cells (SCs) in regenerative medicine, especially in repairing ischemic damage of the heart muscle and other peripheral organs. The team is currently carrying out several research grants, working on both animal and human material.

MicroTeam is currently conducting projects in the Cell Biology Department of the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology at the Jagiellonian University. The research involves stem cells and their bioactive derivatives. The team has experience in:

• isolating and culturing stem cells (SCs) derived from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, Worthen's jelly, mobilized peripheral blood, and other mature tissues – from which hematopoietic SCs [HSC], VSELs, Mesenchymal SCs [MSC], Endothelial Progenitor SCs [EPC], among others, are obtained;
• genetic induction aimed at obtaining iPS cells – the group has its own human and animal iPS cell lines, and has the capability to obtain these lines from any cells through transfection or transduction (including their own production line of viral vectors);
• isolating and assessing bioproducts of SCs, including bioactive microvesicles (MVs) derived from SCs and other clinical materials (including peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, and bone marrow);
• identifying SCs and their derivatives in experimental (including animal) and clinical material based on the antigenic profile of these cells using state-of-the-art flow cytometry technologies (both classical and imaging);
• testing the functional potential of SCs in vitro (including proliferative activity, viability, cardiomyogenic and angiogenic differentiation) and in vivo (in collaboration: the ability to study the regenerative activity of selected SCs in models of heart and limb ischemia in small and large preclinical animal models – respectively, in mice and pigs).

The research conducted by our team is carried out using top-class research equipment, including the use of modern multicolor flow cytometers for cell analysis, as well as nanoparticles. We have a fully equipped cell culture laboratory capable of culturing cells under standard conditions or under reduced oxygen conditions, which is utilized in working with stem cells. The laboratory allows for cultivation of SCs from various species at the highest standard, with the possibility of using them in further studies and potential practical applications. The laboratory also enables optimization of the methods used, for example, to study the impact of biomaterials, biopolymers, or soluble factors on SC growth.

A high-quality molecular biology laboratory allows for the use of molecular cloning techniques for gene expression analysis and the creation of viral vectors used for cell transformation. Flow cytometry, including a cytometer with the ability for multiparametric fluorescence detection, allows for precise characterization of cell antigens and the identification of cell populations and their derivatives.

We are interested in collaboration in research as well as in obtaining funding and research grants. You are welcome to contact us!