CIRM Regenerative Medicine Research Training Program

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Grant Award Details

Grant Number:
EDUC4-12766
Investigator(s):
Award Value:
$5,373,742
Status:
Active

Progress Reports

Reporting Period:
Year 1
Reporting Period:
Year 2
Reporting Period:
Year 3

Grant Application Details

Application Title:

CIRM Regenerative Medicine Research Training Program

Public Abstract:
We seek to establish a CIRM Scholars Training Program with 11 positions: nine postdoctoral and two clinical scholars. Our institution is an ideal environment for a CIRM Scholar Training Program because of the close alignment of our institutional mission and scientific expertise with CIRM’s objectives.
Our mission is, “To drive a new era of discovery in disease-oriented science and to mentor tomorrow’s leaders in an inspiring and diverse environment.” Our institution is unique because our scientific program is rooted in exemplary basic research while maintaining a focus on curing disease. We embrace the evolving landscape of science, leveraging the latest technologies to solve the most challenging biomedical problems. Indeed, stem cell research has been at the center of our approaches to understanding disease and discovering novel therapeutic approaches for over 15 years. Scientists at our institution conduct discovery research in many of the most important medical problems of modern times, including cardiovascular disease, immunology, virology, and neurodegenerative disorders. Research in each of these areas addresses promising targets for regenerative medicine.
Our institution includes a state-of-the-art Stem Cell Core facility, used to train the next cohort of stem cell scientists. Our location provides an ideal environment for CIRM Scholars to develop collaborations, blending expertise of the clinic and basic sciences.
Statement of Benefit to California:
A major goal of regenerative medicine is to repair damaged tissue. Our CIRM scholars have research programs that focus on developing new methods to differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into specific cell types for regeneration of diseased tissues. Our program will benefit the California economy by training highly skilled scientists who will take leading positions in California’s research institutions and the biotechnology industry. These scientists will also create technology that will be the basis of creating jobs in the biomedical industry. For instance, new stem cell lines could be valuable for biotechnology companies and researchers who are screening for drug compounds for regenerative medicine. Furthermore, our CIRM scholars are working closely with California companies to develop new equipment and analysis software that could be the basis for new product lines or new businesses. As new regenerative therapies come to fruition, we anticipate that California medical centers will be leading the way. Ultimately, the most important contribution of our CIRM scholars may be to improve the health of Californians. Diseases that are the target of regenerative medicine are major causes of mortality and morbidity, resulting in billions of dollars in healthcare costs and lost days at work. As we continue our efforts in medical research, we hope to one day unlock the secrets of tissue development and repair. This knowledge will help medical researchers develop beneficial therapies beyond what is currently available and potentially improve the quality of life and life expectancy of patients who suffer from disease.

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