Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Laboratory of Experimental Morphology is one of the leading centers clinical and experimental studies of connective tissue morphology and pathology. The priorities in research activity of the Lab are innovative basic technologies in medicine and regenerative medicine. The Laboratory focuses at morphological validation of new diagnostic approaches and methods of treatment of socially significant diseases, as well as at creation and standardization of new medical products.

Design of new biomaterials, with a special attention to collagen-based structures, is the main field of applied research of the Laboratory. There is a significant, internationally recognized experience in evaluation of biocompatibility/bio-resorption and analysis of the functional properties of implantable or injectable materials and devices, including tissue-derived composites, natural and synthetic polymers, metals, various hybrid constructions and nanomaterials. Significant part of these researches is formed by studies in the field of tissue engineering, including implantation of tissue engineered structures and laser-induced tissue regeneration.

The important direction of our research is development of low-invasive morphological diagnostic approaches like “optical biopsy” and digital pathology methods by the means of new bioimaging technologies and application of reporting nanomaterials (upconverting nanophosphors, iron oxide nanoparticles etc.).

Basic studies are centered at the general and specific mechanisms of connective tissue behavior in various pathological processes of inflammatory, fibrotic, degenerative and dysplastic nature are performed. In particular, the emphasis is placed at complications of wound healing, systemic and local inflammation and dysplasia of connective tissue elements of musculoskeletal system and pelvic organs, as well as on development of adhesions and strictures of the internal organs.

The most notable achievements of the Laboratory include contribution into the development of such a new and unique methods in medicine as collagenoplastics (reconstruction of damaged tissues with use of collagenous materials and devices), therapy of inflammatory, fibrotic and degenerative diseases with use of exogenous gas nitric oxide (NOx-therapy), laser chondroplastics and laser-induced regeneration of cartilage. Laboratory staff provides pathology consulting to patients and medical practitioners (biopsies of the joints, skin and other tissues); collaborates with other researchers and clinical specialists in organization and performing of pathomorphological components of experimental and clinical trials and performs mentoring of graduate students.