About Dr. Serhiy Forostyak

Our research is focused on regeneration of the spinal cord and the restoration of the lost spinal functions caused by different pathologic states, with particular interest in acute and chronic trauma of spinal cord and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, motor neuron disease). The studies are performed in vitro and in vivo using different animal models of aforementioned diseases such as balloon contusion lesion, hemisection, transsection, transgenic animals (SOD1G93A), but also evaluation of the human samples from the patients. The aim of studies is to stimulate or supplement the potential of endogenous repair mechanisms, increase neuroplasticity and/or substitute the damaged tissue to promote improvements in behavioural impairments.

We are trying to achieve the above goals by transplanting different types of stem cells (embryonic, foetal, IPs, MSCs etc.) and biomaterials (hydrogels, nanofibers, nanoparticles) and combination of varies approaches. The effects of the treatment are evaluated by behavioural testing, molecular biology techniques (qPCR, WB, ISH etc.) and followed by histological evaluation of graft-host interactions using immunohistochemistry with advanced microscopy methods. My research is also focused on the role of extracellular matrix (more specifically perineuronal nets) and different types of cytokines in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Our department has a close connection with a neurologic department of the local hospital and was/is involved in the preparation of preclinical and phase I/II clinical trials.