10171843NaviCells: Engineering dental stem cells for the future of drug discoveryClosedFast Start ResponseInnovate UKThis project aims to develop specially engineered stem cells, which we call NaviCells, to help discover new medicines and treat diseases. We are focusing on a type of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) called Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs), which are found in teeth and can turn into bone, cartilage, or fat. By editing the genes in these cells, we hope to better understand how diseases work and speed up the development of new treatments. We will compare two ways of editing the DNA in these stem cells. The first method delivers a gene-editing tool called Cas9 directly into the cells using a chemical carrier. This approach makes a one-time, temporary change that doesn't stay in the cell. The second method uses lentiviruses- safe, lab-made viruses to insert the Cas9 tool permanently into the cell's DNA. This creates a stable cell line that can be used again and again for research. Our goal is to edit the DNA of these cells with at least 80% efficiency. Once edited, we will check if the cells still behave like MSCs, especially their ability to turn into bone-forming cells. To do this, we will use our proprietary NaviPlate- a special plate we've developed that helps grow tiny 3D bone-like structures called organoids in just a few days in a large scale. These organoids can then be used to test how different drugs affect bone growth, in a fast, reliable, and low-cost way. If successful, this technology could be used in the short term to better understand bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and to find new drug targets. In the long term, NaviCells may be used as treatments- for example, to help repair bone or even treat conditions like obesity. This project also has strong commercial potential. The engineered cells and the NaviPlate system could be used as fee-for service to pharmaceutical companies for drug screening or used to create cell-based therapies. This will lead to the creation of skilled jobs and attract investment into the UK life sciences sector through our spin-out company, Navigate Precision Biology. By creating a reliable and efficient gene-editing platform for stem cells, this work lays the foundation for innovative products that can improve healthcare and support the UK's leadership in biotechnology and regenerative medicine.