Right Column

T1-00008: Stem Cell Research Training Grant

Application Number:  T1-00008

Proposal Abstract as Submitted by Applicant

We propose a Type I training program in Stem Cell Biology for eight predoctoral, four postdoctoral, and four clinical CIRM Scholars, to be administered by the Stem Cell Research Center at the University of California, Irvine.  Predoctoral Scholars will enter the program at the end of their first year in the Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry (MBGB) graduate program, the Interdepartmental Neurosciences Program (INP) or other relevant PhD program at UCI. CIRM pre- and postdoctoral Scholars will participate in research training in the labs of UCI stem cell mentors. The CIRM clinical Scholars will enter a new track in our existing residency and a subspecialty fellowship training program: after completing two years of clinical training in a specialty residency program and one year of clinical training in subspecialty fellowship program, the trainee will spend two years in basic or translational stem cell research.  All CIRM Scholars will participate, during their first year of support, in a year-long sequence of three new courses: Basic Biology of Stem Cells; Clinical Applications of Stem Cells; and Social, Legal and Ethical Implications of Stem cell Research.  Trainees will also be provided with access to a specialized laboratory course entitled Human Embryonic Stem Cell Culture Training Course, a dedicated workshop on Large-Animal Models for Stem Cell Research, and seminars and symposia focused on stem cell biology and clinical application.  We will provide a research training environment for Scholars in many areas of stem cell biology including the Basic Biology of Stem Cells, Developing Tools for Stem Cell Research, Genetics of Cortical Stem Cells, CNS Injury and Stroke, Neurodegenerative Disease, Tissue Engineering, Diabetes, the Role of Stem Cells in Cancer, Stem cell Therapy for Ocular Disease, and Stem Cell-Based Screens to Identify Novel Drugs targeting cell proliferation, differentiation, and death.  By formalizing, expanding and integrating stem cell training at UCI, we plan to contribute to the acceleration of stem cell research in the state, and to increase the number of scientists and clinicians participating in stem cell research and its application to treatments. 

Benefit of this Program to California

This program will benefit the people and the state of California by providing high-quality training in the scientific, clinical, social, and ethical aspects of stem cell research to the scientists and clinicians who will develop and apply future therapies in this rapidly emerging field.