Stem cell secretome is comprising of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles released by stem cells. It holds immense therapeutic potential. Research at KFRC is investigating their use in regenerative medicine, particularly in wound healing, and immune modulation, offering cell-free therapeutic alternatives with fewer regulatory challenges and lower immunogenicity.
Exosomes, nanosized vesicles secreted by tumor cells, carry molecular signatures reflective of their cell of origin. KFRC is developing exosome-based liquid biopsy platforms to enable early, non-invasive cancer detection, monitor disease progression, and guide treatment response, with a focus on gliomas and breast cancer.
One of the greatest challenges in treating brain tumors, especially glioblastomas, is their resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Our team is examining molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to this resistance—such as the role of tumor-associated macrophages and immune-resistance to develop more effective combination therapies.
By integrating proteomic, and imaging data, KFRC researchers are identifying reliable biomarkers for neurological disorders including Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD), ischemic stroke, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. These biomarkers aim to support earlier diagnosis, stratified treatment, and monitoring of disease progression.
Primordial Germ Cells (PMGs) are the embryonic precursors of gametes and play a crucial role in reproductive development. Dysfunction or dormancy of these cells can contribute to infertility and other reproductive disorders. Our research focuses on how stem cell-derived factors or direct stem cell interventions may help activate dormant or underperforming PMGs, with the goal of restoring or enhancing fertility potential. By understanding the signaling mechanisms that regulate PGC development and reactivation, we aim to develop novel regenerative approaches for treating infertility and supporting reproductive health.
KFRC is also engaged in the development and integration of innovative biomedical devices, such as organ transportation box, biosensors, and AI-based Smart vision glasses. These technologies aim to improve accessibility and inclusivity to disabled individuals.