logo of stemcell research

The general goal of the Veterinary Stem Cell Research Unit of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, is to perform fundamental stem cell research in order to fully understand the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in veterinary medicine. Indeed, there is a marked disparity between the presumptive benefits of stem cell therapy and the actual observed outcome in rigorously controlled scientific studies. Therefore, more fundamental research is mandatory to provide proof of concept for current stem cell-based therapies.

To this end, Prof. dr. Catharina De Schauwer set up a state-of-the-art laboratory focusing on the isolation, characterization, differentiation and cryopreservation of mesenchymal stem cells, isolated from different sources (including bone marrow, adipose tissue, peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood and Wharton’s jelly) and in different species (including horse, dog and cow). Currently, the research focusses both on the myogenic differentiation of bovine mesenchymal stem cells as well as the therapeutic potential of equine mesenchymal stem cells in tendon injuries.

Picture of our campus at UGent Merelbeke

StaffMeet us

Catherina profile picture

Catharina De Schauwer

Head of research group

Emma profile picture

Emma Heyman

Assistant

Marguerite

Marguerite Meeremans

Scientific staff

Maria profile picture

Maria Olenic

Scientific staff

ResearchOur work

ServicesWhat we offer

Storage of cells & tissues

We have ample experience within different species in the isolation, culture and cryopreservation of various cell and tissue types:

  • fibroblasts isolated from skin biopsies
  • mesenchymal stem cells isolated from different sources

We are able to support you when you want to preserve the DNA of your animal, for example for cloning.

If you request further information about the isolation and preservation of cells and/or tissues of animal origin, please contact us.

PHD ThesisIN DEPTH

TriggeredMail us

Contact

We are happy to answer any questions you might have.

  • We are always looking for talent.
  • We look forward to hearing from you.