Project Information

Grade Grouping: 10-12

Team Size: 1 or 2

Subject Area: Biology

Project Type: Experimental

Project Level: Advanced

Project Format: Traditional

Summary: Immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporin and tacrolimus are used to prevent rejection of organs after a transplant. It has also been discovered that these agents have other biological effects, including cell proliferation and neuroprotection in animals which have suffered stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Though research has shown that immunosuppressants prevent the rejection of neurons which have been transplanted into both animal models and human cases of Parkinson’s disease, adequate research has not yet been carried out to determine their effect on stem cells for the neurodegenerative repair of the brain.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of cyclosporin and tacrolimus on stem cells undergoing differentiation in culture to determine whether these drugs have biological effects in addition to their anti-rejection use.

Software Tools used: Frontpage

Hardware Tools: Scanner

Source of Idea: We had a discussion with our mentors at the Neurotransplantation Lab at Dalhousie University. We realized the necessity for this particular research to be done if stem cells are to become routine treatment for patients. We were also very interested in stem cells and their potential for treating those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases or brain or spinal cord injuries.

Special Skills: HTML

Awards: Second place at the 2004 Nova Scotia Aventis Biotechnology Competition

Virtual Science Fair Page: www.virtualsciencefair.com