We are studying stem cells and their utility for transplantation into several organ systems including blood, neural and liver. We are also determining the relevance of epigenetic changes in transplanted cells that may interfere with normal function and could be the basis for disease.
The Role Of Growth Factors In Pluripotency And Differentiation Of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Towards Human Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,829.00
Summary
Human stem cells, obtained and studied within strict ethical guidelines, have huge potential for increasing our understanding of early human development and for transplantation therapy. In order to realise this potential the factors that maintain these cells as stem cells (able to divide indefinitely and to become any cell type) and which turn them into particular cell types must be understood. This project aims to study these factors and to apply stem cells to muscle disease therapy.
Developmental Potential Of Murine Keratinocyte Stem Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$212,036.00
Summary
The stem cells of the epidermis or outer lining of the skin are an important group of cells with a role in normal cell replenishment, in wound healing and in skin disorders such as psoriasis and cancer. These primitive cells remain in the skin during the lifetime of an individual and are responsible for the production of mature, functional cells that form a protective barrier against the environment and pathogens. We have recently developed a strategy for the isolation of stem cells of the skin ....The stem cells of the epidermis or outer lining of the skin are an important group of cells with a role in normal cell replenishment, in wound healing and in skin disorders such as psoriasis and cancer. These primitive cells remain in the skin during the lifetime of an individual and are responsible for the production of mature, functional cells that form a protective barrier against the environment and pathogens. We have recently developed a strategy for the isolation of stem cells of the skin which places us in a unique position to further study these cells and determine possible therapeutic approaches for the future. The aims of this project encompass testing the potency of skin stem cells (i) to reform complex structures such as a mature epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands; and (ii) to give rise to cells from other tissues such as muscle and liver. A final aim of this project is to dissect the complexity of the stem cell compartment further to gain insights into how normal skin growth is regulated.Read moreRead less
Hematopoietic Transplants From Autologous Pluripotent Cell Sources
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
This proposal investigates the utility of two types of patient-derived stem cells for transplantation into blood. These are induced pluripotent stem cells that are reprogrammed from specialized tissues such as skin cells, and stem cells derived using the genetic material of oocytes or sperm only ( one-parent embryos). Using the mouse, we are looking at the ability of these cells to form normal blood lineages after transplantation, and to repair blood in a mouse model for beta-thalassemia.