OVC Researcher Receives Funding For Regenerative Medicine Research

Improving wound healing is the ultimate goal of research at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) that recently received funding from Canada’s Stem Cell Network (SCN).

Dr. Samantha Payne, a professor in the OVC’s Department of Biomedical Sciences, has received almost $275,000 to study how nerves modulate the response of organs and tissues to injury. 

In response to injury, humans and other mammals typically scar, which can lead to impaired function, disability, and reduced quality of life. Many non-mammalian species, such as the gecko, can completely restore whole appendages or organs. 

Payne and her team will isolate mammalian and non-mammalian stem cells to study how their behaviour changes in the presence of neurons and neurotransmitters. 

“Using cell culture models, we can add a compound —neurotransmitters or drugs— then see how it changes the behaviour of the cells, if it encourages or inhibits healing and regeneration,” said Payne. “This knowledge can inform future research on ways to help wounds heal better, with less scarring.” 

Payne’s research is one of 32 stem cell and regenerative medicine projects and clinical trials being funded by the SCN this year. With funding from the Government of Canada, SCN has provided a total of $19.5 million to support projects across the country. 

For more information, read the U of G news release published on May 12, 2022.