
Overview
Background
Professor Simon Cool is Professor of Bioengineering and Director of the UQ Advanced Cell Therapy Manufacturing Initiative in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Queensland.
Professor Cool began his scientific career at the University of Queensland more than 20 years ago. He received his BSc (hons) and PhD degrees from the University of Queensland, where he subsequently held a faculty position in the School of Biomedical Sciences. His areas of studies have included age-related changes in the structure of bone and teeth and the extracellular matrix compartment of skeletal tissue that guide stem cell behaviour and wound repair. Professor Cool was invited to join the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Singapore in 2003 as a Principal Investigator. He then joined A*STAR’s Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) in 2008, shortly after its inception, to further his research in regenerative medicine, serving as Senior Principal Investigator of the Glycotherapeutics Group. In October 2020, Professor Cool re-joined the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) as a Research Director, Glycotherapeutics, where he focused on developing novel glycosaminoglycan biomolecules that enhance wound repair and control adult human mesenchymal stem cell activity.
Professor Cool has 117 patent applications across 26 families with 51 granted in the fields of glycosaminoglycan biochemistry, regenerative medicine and stem cell science. He has more than 150 publications and continues to foster strong strategic collaborations both nationally and internationally with academic and industry groups. He has a strong biomanufacturing and translational focus with experience in taking glycosaminoglycan-based devices through discovery RnD on to pre-clinical and clinical testing. Professor Cool also has an entrepreneurial and licensing background having successfully spun-off some of his technology to a US-based regenerative medicine start-up company, SMC Biotechnology Ltd. Professor Cool holds a Visiting Professor appointment at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Singapore and an Adjunct Professor (Research) appointment in the Orthopaedic Department at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Prior to his move back to UQ, he previously held the position of Treasurer, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society, Asia Pacific Chapter (TERMIS-AP) and Treasurer, Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS). He also held senior leadership positions in several Singapore-based R&D programmes, notably as Director, Allogeneic Stem Cell Manufacturing (ASTEM) and Theme Leader in Advanced Manufacturing for Biological Materials (AMBM). Prof Cool currently serves on the Editorial Board of the journals Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, and is Asia-Pacific Regional Editor for Stem Cells and Development.
Availability
- Professor Simon Cool is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), unknown
- PhD, unknown
Research interests
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Manufacturing highly-potent stem cells
Developing novel media, assays, and processes to enable the scale-up manufacturing of cell therapy products.
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Rejuvenation of ageing stem cells
Developing innovative methods to rejuvenate ageing stem cells to generate best-in-class cell banks for therapeutic use.
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Synthesis of glycosaminoglycans as medical devices
Developing scalable methods to manufacture fully synthetic glycosaminoglycans for use as media additives, biocoatings and medical devices for treating disease, injury or trauma.
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Modification of stem cells to improve their therapeutic utility
Altering stem cell surfaces to encourage protein binding and drive stem cell fate decisions for improved therapeutic efficacy.
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Enhanced angiogenesis through glycosaminoglycan administration and medical device formulation
Developing pro-angiogenic microenvironments using novel glycosaminoglycan formulations.
Research impacts
I have over 25 years of leadership in identifying novel heparan sulphate (HS) glycosaminoglycan (GAG) sugars within stem cell niches and repairing tissues. These sugars sequester, protect, hold, and present key growth factors to stem cells. I have successfully used this complexation paradigm to unlock pathways critical to stem cell biology, mainly signalling cascades essential for maintaining naïve phenotypes. I have also shown that this strategy effectively develops bioadditives for manufacturing cell therapy devices for treating vascular ischemia/stroke, cartilage regeneration, and bone repair. A significant part of this pioneering effort has been manufacturing HS variants that mimic sugars in native tissues. Anchoring this strategy is my novel discovery platform that identifies specific domains in HS chains that form complexes with growth factors and growth factor receptors to generate powerful signalling complexes that mediate cell-fate decisions and potentiate tissue regeneration. Using this blueprint, I have developed a library of bio-inspired HS variants and subjected them to structure/function analyses. I strongly advocate for the safety/tolerability testing of HS materials and continue to lead industry-based projects in this area. I have considerable experience leading outcome-focused multidisciplinary research teams across all scientific discovery and translation aspects, with a proven track record in developing transformative technology and biotechnology entrepreneurship. I lead a long-standing effort to bank mesenchymal stem cells cultured in HS-supplemented media to treat age-related diseases (pre-clinical stage only) and have been working to transition this project to a commercial facility to develop suitable manufacturing and banking protocols for future clinical testing. Through these various opportunities, I have mentored numerous PhD students in Australia, Singapore, and the UK, which has helped accelerate research opportunities and led to significant gains in generating novel findings.
Works
Search Professor Simon Cool’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Journal Article
Extracellular matrix protein production in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on three-dimensional polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds responds to GDF5 or FGF2
Su, Yan, Denbeigh, Janet M., Camilleri, Emily T., Riester, Scott M., Parry, Joshua A., Wagner, Eric R., Yaszemski, Michael J., Dietz, Allan B., Cool, Simon M., van Wijnen, Andre J. and Kakar, Sanjeev (2018). Extracellular matrix protein production in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on three-dimensional polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds responds to GDF5 or FGF2. Gene Reports, 10, 149-156. doi: 10.1016/j.genrep.2017.12.004
2018
Journal Article
Osteogenic stimulation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells using a fungal metabolite that suppresses the polycomb group protein EZH2
Samsonraj, Rebekah M., Dudakovic, Amel, Manzar, Bushra, Sen, Buer, Dietz, Allan B., Cool, Simon M., Rubin, Janet and van Wijnen, Andre J. (2018). Osteogenic stimulation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells using a fungal metabolite that suppresses the polycomb group protein EZH2. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 7 (2), 197-209. doi: 10.1002/sctm.17-0086
2017
Journal Article
The components of bone and what they can teach us about regeneration
Le, Bach Quang, Nurcombe, Victor, Cool, Simon McKenzie, van Blitterswijk, Clemens A., de Boer, Jan and LaPointe, Vanessa Lydia Simone (2017). The components of bone and what they can teach us about regeneration. Materials, 11 (1) 14, 14. doi: 10.3390/ma11010014
2017
Journal Article
Fabrication of polycaprolactone-silanated β-tricalcium phosphate-heparan sulfate scaffolds for spinal fusion applications
Bhakta, Gajadhar, Ekaputra, Andrew K., Rai, Bina, Abbah, Sunny A., Tan, Tuan Chun, Le, Bach Quang, Chatterjea, Anindita, Hu, Tao, Lin, Tingxuan, Arafat, M. Tarik, van Wijnen, Andre J., Goh, James, Nurcombe, Victor, Bhakoo, Kishore, Birch, William, Xu, Li, Gibson, Ian, Wong, Hee-Kit and Cool, Simon M. (2017). Fabrication of polycaprolactone-silanated β-tricalcium phosphate-heparan sulfate scaffolds for spinal fusion applications. Spine Journal, 18 (5), 818-830. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.12.002
2017
Journal Article
Concise review: Multifaceted characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells for use in regenerative medicine
Samsonraj, Rebekah M., Raghunath, Michael, Nurcombe, Victor, Hui, James H., van Wijnen, Andre J. and Cool, Simon M. (2017). Concise review: Multifaceted characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells for use in regenerative medicine. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 6 (12), 2173-2185. doi: 10.1002/sctm.17-0129
2017
Journal Article
A versatile protocol for studying calvarial bone defect healing in a mouse model
Samsonraj, Rebekah M., Dudakovic, Amel, Zan, Pengfei, Pichurin, Oksana, Cool, Simon M. and Van Wijnen, Andre J. (2017). A versatile protocol for studying calvarial bone defect healing in a mouse model. Tissue Engineering - Part C: Methods, 23 (11), 686-693. doi: 10.1089/ten.tec.2017.0205
2017
Journal Article
Endogenous regeneration: Engineering growth factors for stroke
Chan, Su Jing, Love, Christopher, Spector, Myron, Cool, Simon M., Nurcombe, Victor and Lo, Eng H. (2017). Endogenous regeneration: Engineering growth factors for stroke. Neurochemistry International, 107, 57-65. doi: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.03.024
2017
Journal Article
Long-term culture of self-renewing pancreatic progenitors derived from human pluripotent stem cells
Trott, Jamie, Tan, Ee Kim, Ong, Sheena, Titmarsh, Drew M., Denil, Simon L. I. J., Giam, Maybelline, Wong, Cheng Kit, Wang, Jiaxu, Shboul, Mohammad, Eio, Michelle, Cooper-White, Justin, Cool, Simon M., Rancati, Giulia, Stanton, Lawrence W., Reversade, Bruno and Dunn, N. Ray (2017). Long-term culture of self-renewing pancreatic progenitors derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports, 8 (6), 1675-1688. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.05.019
2017
Journal Article
Growth differentiation factor 5-mediated enhancement of chondrocyte phenotype is inhibited by heparin: implications for the use of heparin in the clinic and in tissue engineering applications
Ayerst, Bethanie I., Smith, Raymond A.A., Nurcombe, Victor, Day, Anthony J., Merry, Catherine L.R. and Cool, Simon M. (2017). Growth differentiation factor 5-mediated enhancement of chondrocyte phenotype is inhibited by heparin: implications for the use of heparin in the clinic and in tissue engineering applications. Tissue Engineering - Part A, 23 (7-8), 275-292. doi: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0364
2017
Journal Article
Microfluidic screening reveals heparan sulfate enhances human mesenchymal stem cell growth by modulating fibroblast growth factor-2 transport
Titmarsh, Drew M., Tan, Clarissa L. L., Glass, Nick R., Nurcombe, Victor, Cooper-White, Justin J. and Cool, Simon M. (2017). Microfluidic screening reveals heparan sulfate enhances human mesenchymal stem cell growth by modulating fibroblast growth factor-2 transport. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 6 (4), 1178-1190. doi: 10.1002/sctm.16-0343
2017
Journal Article
Affinity selection of FGF2-binding heparan sulfates for ex vivo expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells
Wijesinghe, Sampath Jeewantha, Ling, Ling, Murali, Sadasivam, Qing, Yeong Hui, Hinkley, Simon F.R., Carnachan, Susan M., Bell, Tracey J., Swaminathan, Kunchithapadam, Hui, James H., van Wijnen, Andre J., Nurcombe, Victor and Cool, Simon M. (2017). Affinity selection of FGF2-binding heparan sulfates for ex vivo expansion of human mesenchymal stem cells. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 232 (3), 566-575. doi: 10.1002/jcp.25454
2016
Journal Article
Determining the extent of heparan sulfate depolymerisation following heparin lyase treatment
Carnachan, Susan M., Bell, Tracey J., Sims, Ian M., Smith, Raymond A.A., Nurcombe, Victor, Cool, Simon M. and Hinkley, Simon F.R. (2016). Determining the extent of heparan sulfate depolymerisation following heparin lyase treatment. Carbohydrate Polymers, 152, 592-597. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.07.024
2016
Journal Article
The synovial microenvironment of osteoarthritic joints alters RNA-seq expression profiles of human primary articular chondrocytes
Lewallen, Eric A., Bonin, Carolina A., Li, Xin, Smith, Jay, Karperien, Marcel, Larson, A. Noelle, Lewallen, David G., Cool, Simon M., Westendorf, Jennifer J., Krych, Aaron J., Leontovich, Alexey A., Im, Hee-Jeong and van Wijnen, Andre J. (2016). The synovial microenvironment of osteoarthritic joints alters RNA-seq expression profiles of human primary articular chondrocytes. Gene, 591 (2), 456-464. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.06.063
2016
Journal Article
Identification and validation of multiple cell surface markers of clinical-grade adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as novel release criteria for good manufacturing practice-compliant production
Camilleri, Emily T., Gustafson, Michael P., Dudakovic, Amel, Riester, Scott M., Garces, Catalina Galeano, Paradise, Christopher R., Takai, Hideki, Karperien, Marcel, Cool, Simon, Sampen, Hee-Jeong Im, Larson, A. Noelle, Qu, Wenchun, Smith, Jay, Dietz, Allan B. and Van Wijnen, Andre J. (2016). Identification and validation of multiple cell surface markers of clinical-grade adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as novel release criteria for good manufacturing practice-compliant production. Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 7 (1) 107, 1-16. doi: 10.1186/s13287-016-0370-8
2016
Journal Article
Heparin-based polyelectrolyte complex enhances the therapeutic efficacy of bone morphogenetic protein-2 for posterolateral fusion in a large animal model
Wang, Ming, Lam, Raymond W.M., Abbah, Sunny A., Hu, Tao, Toh, Soo Y., Cool, Simon, Bhakoo, Kishore, Li, Jun, Goh, James C.H. and Wong, Hee-Kit (2016). Heparin-based polyelectrolyte complex enhances the therapeutic efficacy of bone morphogenetic protein-2 for posterolateral fusion in a large animal model. Spine, 41 (15), 1199-1207. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001543
2016
Journal Article
Effect of heparin on the biological properties and molecular signature of human mesenchymal stem cells
Ling, Ling, Camilleri, Emily T., Helledie, Torben, Samsonraj, Rebekah M., Titmarsh, Drew M., Chua, Ren Jie, Dreesen, Oliver, Dombrowski, Christian, Rider, David A., Galindo, Mario, Lee, Ian, Hong, Wanjin, Hui, James H., Nurcombe, Victor, van Wijnen, Andre J. and Cool, Simon M. (2016). Effect of heparin on the biological properties and molecular signature of human mesenchymal stem cells. Gene, 576 (1), 292-303. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.10.039
2015
Journal Article
Mode of heparin attachment to nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite affects its interaction with bone morphogenetic protein-2
Goonasekera, Chandhi S., Jack, Kevin S., Bhakta, Gajadhar, Rai, Bina, Luong-Van, Emma, Nurcombe, Victor, Cool, Simon M., Cooper-White, Justin J. and Grondahl, Lisbeth (2015). Mode of heparin attachment to nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite affects its interaction with bone morphogenetic protein-2. Biointerphases, 10 (4) 04A308, 1-12. doi: 10.1116/1.4933109
2015
Journal Article
Repair of segmental ulna defects using a β-TCP implant in combination with a heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan variant
Rai, B., Chatterjea, A., Lim, Z. X.H., Tan, T. C., Sawyer, A. A., Hosaka, Y. Z., Murali, S., Lee, J. J.L., Fenwick, S. A., Hui, J. H., Nurcombe, V. and Cool, S. M. (2015). Repair of segmental ulna defects using a β-TCP implant in combination with a heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan variant. Acta Biomaterialia, 28, 193-204. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.09.008
2015
Journal Article
Structural determinants of heparin-transforming growth factor-β1 interactions and their effects on signaling
Lee, Jonathan, Wee, Sheena, Gunaratne, Jayantha, Chua, R. J. E., Smith, Raymond A. A., Ling, Ling, Fernig, David G., Swaminathan, Kunchithapadam, Nurcombe, Victor and Cool, Simon M. (2015). Structural determinants of heparin-transforming growth factor-β1 interactions and their effects on signaling. Glycobiology, 25 (12), 1491-1504. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwv064
2015
Journal Article
Human mesenchymal stem cells retain multilineage differentiation capacity including neural marker expression after extended in vitro expansion
Okolicsanyi, Rachel K., Camilleri, Emily T., Oikari, Lotta E., Yu, Chieh, Cool, Simon M., Van Wijnen, Andre J., Griffiths, Lyn R. and Haupt, Larisa M. (2015). Human mesenchymal stem cells retain multilineage differentiation capacity including neural marker expression after extended in vitro expansion. PLoS One, 10 (9) e0137255, 1-29. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137255
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Simon Cool is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Orthopaedic application of glycotherapeutics linked to implantable scaffolds
We have developed a range of glycosaminoglycan compounds that drive cell fate decisions through complexation with protein/protein receptors that are important for bone formation. Here we seek to coat implantable scaffolds (doi: 10.1116/1.4933109) with these materials and to progress these implantable orthopaedic devices through a range of preclinical models in an effort to define their future clinical utility.
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Age-related changes in stem cell glycosaminoglycans
We have identified a range of glycosaminoglycan-altering enzymes that can potentially drive senescent phenotypes linked to stem cell ageing during scale-up manufacturing. Here we seek to develop glycosaminoglycan variants capable of replenishing these lost glycosaminoglycan structures that can restore growth and potency.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Elucidating the effects of potency biomarkers on cellular reprogramming and differentiation in adult stem cells
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nathan Palpant, Dr Alex Smith
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the role of electrical fields on cell fates
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Justin Cooper-White
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Doctor Philosophy
Fabrication of sulfated alginate nano-particles for protein delivery
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisbeth Grondahl, Dr Ali Shokoohmand
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Doctor Philosophy
Regenerative engineering solutions for rotator cuff repair using stem cells and bioactives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisbeth Grondahl, Professor Justin Cooper-White
Completed supervision
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Heparan sulphate releasing biomaterials for tissue engineering
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lisbeth Grondahl
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
AUGMENTING OSTEOGENESIS THROUGH CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL STIMULATION: THE USE OF LOADING AND HEPARAN SULFATE TO ENHANCE IN VITRO AND IN VIVO BONE FORMATION
Principal Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
THE NOVEL ISOLATION OF HEPARAN SULFATE WITH A SPECIFIC AFFINITY FOR BONE MORPHOGENTIC PROTEIN 2
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Peter Noakes
Media
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