What does it take to lead the future of regenerative medicine? Professor Martijn van Griensven shared the experiences that have shaped his journey from his early days as Germany’s youngest professor to his current work as a leading mind in biomedical research and head of the cBITE department at the MERLN Institute.
We explored how bones heal, and why sometimes they don’t, and what role the immune system plays when regeneration breaks down. We dove into the molecular world of RNA therapies and their potential to modulate immune responses and help tissues rebuild themselves.
We talked about the practical challenges of bringing these therapies into the clinic, the role of AI in tailoring treatments to each patient, and what the future might hold. For Professor van Griensven, it’s not just about molecules and machines, it’s about curiosity, perseverance, and asking the right questions.
If you want to learn more, please follow the links below:
MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine: https://merlninstitute.com
Hannover Medical School: https://www.mhh.de/en/
Research paper on the patient case after the motorcycle accident: https://www.cureus.com/articles/246346-the-treatment-of-very-large-traumatic-bone-defects-of-the-tibia-with-a-polycaprolactone-tricalcium-phosphate-3d-printed-cage-a-review-of-three-cases#!/
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro Biomed Unleashed
00:27 Guest Introduction
00:55 Welcome
1:10 Academic background
2:20 Challenges of being the Youngest Professor in Germany – 26 years old!
3:43 What initially sparked Martijn’s interest in regenerative medicine? – US experience
6:25 Why did Martijn start working at MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine in Maastricht, the Netherlands?
8:05 Why bone cannot heal on its own when there is a large defect?
9:56 Main ways to help the bone to heal? Does immunity play a role in that?
11:47 Most promising way to regenerate bones
13:14 RNAs and RNA-based regenerative medicine therapies
15:43 What type of RNA therapies is the focus of Martijn’s research?
16:55 Differences between messenger RNAs and micro RNAs
18:56 Are messenger RNAs or micro RNAs better?
20:13 Off-target effects of micro RNAs?
21:59 Can micro RNAs help stem cells avoid immune rejection in the human body?
25:01 If one type of micro RNAs is considered safe for human use, does it mean that other types are safe as well or are they completely different?
26:20 How can environmental factors affect micro RNAs in stem cells?
28:11 3D culture environment for micro RNAs. Is that important and is it used in research?
30:25 Microfluidic systems to study microRNA activity
32:00 Influence of specific materials for bone regeneration on micro RNA activity
34:01 Antagomirs – what are they and how are they used in regenerative medicine?
36:31 Challenges when using antagomirs
38:16 Are microRNAs specific or have multiple targets in the body?
39:52 Delivery systems of micro RNAs to cells
42:19 Gene editing tools to modify micro RNAs – is it possible?
42:39 Challenges of gene editing tools
44:21 Regenerative medicine in 5-10 years
45:39 Which countries are leading regenerative medicine research?
47:05 Exciting upcoming projects at MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine in Maastricht, the Netherlands
48:37 What is a research project that Martijn is most proud of?
49:49 How did regenerative medicine therapy heal 15 cm bone defect after a motorcycle accident?!
51:08 Minimum bone defect size that bone cannot heal anymore on its own
51:53 AI in regenerative medicine
53:30 AI in personalized medicine
54:43 Skills that students need to possess to work in regenerative medicine field
56:16 Last question!
57:30 Conclusion
57:43 Meet Biomed Unleashed Team
58:06 Outro Biomed Unleashed
Hosts and writers: Alisa Ovsiannikova, Alba Villagrasa Martin
Editor: Misha Bagirov
Promotion: Amalia Bagdasaryan
Coordinator: Alisa Ovsiannikova
MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine