A Chemical Approach to Stem Cell Biology
The aim of this project is to screen large collections of small molecules to identify molecules that allow one to propagate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in cell culture under…
Functions of RB family proteins in human embryonic stem cells
Nearly one out of every two Californians born today will develop cancer at some point in their lives, and it is likely that one in five persons will die of…
Mapping the transcriptional regulatory elements in the genome of hESC
The human embryonic stem cells (hESC) have the remarkable potential to replicate themselves indefinitely and differentiate into virtually any cell type under appropriate environmental conditions. They accomplish this through regulating…
Stem Cell Survival and Differentiation Through Chemical Genetics
This project will test the effects of chemical compounds similar to conventional pills for their abilities to keep human embryonic stem cells growing and multiplying in the laboratory or to…
Regulation of human neural progenitor cell proliferation by Ryk-mediated Wnt signaling
Human ES cells can be used to make healthy neurons to replace the cells that are lost in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. This holds great hope…
hESC as tools to investigate the neural crest origin of Ewing’s sarcoma
Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) hold great promise as sources of tissue for regenerative medicine and therapeutics. In addition, their utility as tools to study the origins and biology of…
Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Intestinal Fates
The roughly 25 feet of intestine in the adult human play numerous essential roles in daily life, such as nutrient absorption, secretion of hormones, and serving as a barrier to…
Derivation and Characterization of Cancer Stem Cells from Human ES Cells
Cancer is the leading cause of death for people younger than 85 (1). High cancer mortality rates underscore the need for more sensitive diagnostic techniques as well as therapies that…
Identifying small molecules that stimulate the differentiation of hESCs into dopamine-producing neurons
In this application, we propose to identify small molecule compounds that can stimulate human embryonic stem cells to become dopamine-producing neurons. These neurons degenerate in Parkinson’s disease, and currently have…
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation to Trophoblast: Basic Biology and Clinical Translation to Improve Human Fertility
In addition to the important potential applications for transplantation and treatment of chronic diseases, human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are also a valuable resource to study early human development relevant…
