Human Stem Cell Use: Embryonic Stem Cell
Identification and Generation of Long Term Repopulating Human Muscle Stem Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Research Objective We will molecularly and functionally define muscle stem cells in human muscle in development, juvenile and adult and develop strategies to generate the most regenerative muscle stem cells from hPSCs. Impact There is no clinically relevant cell endowed with continuous repopulation ability from hPSCs. This work could provide a cell therapy for muscle […]
Towards hepatocyte cell replacement therapy: developing a renewable source of human hepatocytes from pluripotent stem cells
Research Objective To develop a consistent and abundant source of transplantable human hepatocytes for transplantation. Impact Developing an abundant and consistent source of human hepatocytes that can be used to treat patients with liver failure. Major Proposed Activities To determine the degree by which human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived hepatocytes engraft and restore liver function […]
Neural Stem Cell Relays for Severe Spinal Cord Injury
Research Objective We propose to utilize human neural stem cells to form neuronal relays across sites of severe SCI, restoring function across the site of spinal cord injury. Impact We will develop a specific type of neural stem cell that is best suited for repairing the injured spinal cord. Major Proposed Activities In Vitro Assessment […]
Preclinical development of an immune evasive islet cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes
Research Objective We will produce a universal donor cell (UDC) line by gene editing an embryonic stem cell line. Cell therapies produced from the UDC line will not be rejected by a patient’s immune system. Impact The UDC line will address the bottleneck of patient immunity that is currently slowing development of many potential cell […]
Development of immune invisible beta cells as a cell therapy for type 1 diabetes through genetic modification of hESCs
Research Objective Development of hESC-derived pancreatic beta cells that are protected from allogeneic and autoimmune attack into a cell therapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) Impact Cell therapy of T1D is challenged by immune rejection. Therefore, we will develop pancreatic progenitors derived from genetically modified hESCs that can evade allogeneic and autoimmune responses. Major Proposed […]
Development of a Cellular Therapeutic for Treatment of Epilepsy
Research Objective A stem cell-derived nerve cell therapy to minimize seizures in people with epilepsy Impact Many people with epilepsy have uncontrolled seizures that can be life threatening and adversely impact quality of life and independence. A cell therapy could help those not responsive to drugs. Major Proposed Activities Transplant a nerve cell therapy made […]
Identification and characterization of the optimal human neural stem cell line (hNSC) for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) 2.0.
Research Objective We propose to discover the optimal human neural stem cell candidate for traumatic brain injury. 4 hNSC products (2 ES derived & 2 fetal) will be compared with TBI/vehicle controls, & then each other. Impact Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects more Americans than brain, breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer combined ! There […]
Discovery of therapeutics for Huntington’s Disease
Research Objective The objective of the proposed research is to perform 3 independent hESC-based screens to identify drug candidates for Huntington’s Disease. Impact There are currently no effective treatments for HD. Combination of human isogenic HD-mutants, novel tools and technology will provide therapeutic solutions for this neurodegenerative orphan disease. Major Proposed Activities Screening of 2,000 […]
Platform Technology for Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived T cell Immunotherapy
Research Objective We will combine a novel method to produce T cells from stem cells with gene editing tools, to create pluripotent stem cells that can serve as a universal source of T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Impact We will address a major bottleneck for T cell immunotherapy: the complexity and therefore limited access to […]
Non-Toxic, Highly-Effective Bioinspired Cryoprotectants for On-Demand Stem Cell Therapies
Research Objective An advanced technology is sought to replace the toxic, ineffective and highly processed components in legacy cryopreservation media. This technology is a fundamentally novel non-toxic freezing media. Impact The transport and storage of stem cell therapies is crippled by freezing media with poor cell preservation. Significantly improved freezing media would directly increase therapy […]