A study from Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), led by Dr. Anna Rosell, from the Neurovascular Diseases group, and Dr. Anna Roig, from the Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites group at the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), has demonstrated that it is possible to guide the arrival of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) labeled with iron oxides in specific areas of the brain by applying externally a magnetic field. The research opens the door to non-invasive therapies to recover the neurological functions affected after suffering stroke. This technology, which has a patent pending with a majority participation of VHIR, together with ICMAB-CSIC, has been one of the five finalists of the "http://www.universal-biotech.com/index.php/lang-en/prixdelinnovation/finalists" Innovation Prize, a prestigious international contest organized by Universal Biotech with the aim to recognize the results of excellence in research and innovation in the biomedical sector. The prize is 100,000 euros. The results of the study, published in "http://www.nanomedjournal.com/article/S1549-9634(13)00273-6/abstract" Nanomedicine NBM, will be presented next September 12 in Paris, in front of an expert tribunal. At this moment, VHIR is seeking for a company interested in licensing this technology. Advancing through tissue regenerationThe Neurovascular Research Laboratory at VHIR is currently investigating new strategies based on vascular remodeling and enhancement of angio-vasculogenesis by endothelial progenitor cells. From a therapeutic point of view these cells could promote the formation of new vessels from the peri-lesional areas not affected after stroke and participate in tissue regeneration. But for a successful treatment is crucial to secure the arrival and graft of a sufficient number of transplanted cells into the brain areas of interest.With this study, the team of VHIR and ICMAB-CSIC has demonstrated that it would be possible to safely guide the arrival of these cells in specific areas of the brain where their graft could strengthen neurorepair mechanisms based on angio-vasculogenic responses. The experimental study also shows for the first time as EPCS labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles enhance their angiogenic function by increasing the ability to migrate and the secretion of trophic factors such as VEGF or FGF, all related to moderate oxidative stress levels within cells. According Dr. Rosell, this discovery "is a step forward for the research of new therapeutic strategies to enhance tissue regeneration not only from the graft of more functional stem/progenitor cells but also to from the delivery of trophic factors that could stimulate other processes such as neurogenesis". VHIR’s researcher is currently investigating the effects on the brain and tissue regeneration of such advanced cell therapies in experimental models of cerebral ischemia. Nonetheless, she insists that "the results suggest the potential of new and non-invasive therapies to regenerate the brain and recover the neurological functions affected by this devastating disease".