Year 4

As described in our previous report (2010), our Center (the shared research laboratory) was established to support research organized into four major categories of interwoven emphasis: 1) Human embryology, derivation of hESCs and SCNT, 2) Cell fate specification and hESC reprogramming, 3) Cancer and cancer stem cells, and 4) Directed differentiation to diverse lineages including the cardiac and neural lineages. CIRM support for the core activities and initiatives, during the last year, has resulted in the further expansion of our Stanford Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Education. This Center has met, and exceeded, all of the original goals outlined in our initial proposal and has substantially expanded to further build the only stem cell bank in the state of California that incorporates stem cell lines (hESCs and iPSCs) as well as donated embryos and oocytes and primary dermal fibroblasts,and to incorporate new techniques such as repair of mutations into our research program. The Stem Cells Techniques component of our Center consisted of three activities in 2010-2011, similar to previous years: 1) The Stanford Pluripotent Stem Cell Training Course; 2) Individual Advanced Training; and 3) Seminars and Workshops which include broadly undergraduate educational classes (didactic and laboratory-based). However, we have also expanded our teaching to include derivation of iPSCs with mRNAs and beyond original courses to include undergraduate and graduate quarter-long courses. We continue to also focus on core strengths of embryology, hESCs and courses that remain over-subscribed for personnel at Stanford and in the Bridges programs of San Jose State University, San Francisco State University and Humboldt State University.