Stem Cells: The Building Blocks of Life

 

 

 

International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR)

     The ISSCR is an independent nonprofit organization that was founded in 2002 and consists of more than 4,100 members nationwide. The organization’s goal is to promote and advance the development stem cell research through the collaboration of scientists and physicians all around the globe.

 

 

 

Gladstone Institutes

     Gladstone Institutes is an independent nonprofit biomedical research organization dedicated to overcoming diseases through science and technology. Its main areas of focus are iPS technology, direct reprogramming of cells, chemical biology, and disease application. Dr. Shinya Yamanaka of Gladstone Institutes won the Nobel Prize in 2012 for his discovery of iPSCs.

 

 

 

UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures

     The UC Davis Stem Cell Program aims to alleviate suffering from chronic diseases and injury through stem cell therapies. Researchers collaborate with medical specialists to find new approaches for developing stem cell therapies. Together, they prepare clinical trials that ensure the utmost safety for patients. Thus far, researchers have developed new therapies for treating heart attacks and mending non-healing bones. Current research in pediatric regenerative medicine, Huntington's disease, oncology, and many other fields puts the institute at the forefront of stem cell research.

 

 

 

University of Wisconsin Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center

     The mission of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center is to make discoveries in stem cell research through studies ranging from stem cell biology to new technologies in tissue engineering. In July 2014, a group led by Igor Slukwin reported the discovery of turning stem cells into human blood cells. This breakthrough allows investigators to observe the development of blood cells, thus contributing significantly to the production of blood related products.  

 

 

 

Stanford Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

     The goal of the Stanford Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine is to use the knowledge gained from its research team and translate it into medical treatments. The institution was the first to isolate cancer stem cells and develop microarray technology, a tool that is indispensable to stem cell research.  Scientists are currently investigating mature stem cells, embryonic stem cells, new stem cell lines, and cancer stem cells. 

 

 

 

 

 

John Hopkins Institute for Cell Engineering

     The John Hopkins Institute for Cell Engineering is focused on understanding the biology of stem cells and applying its knowledge to developing new technologies for treating human disease. Scientists have advanced research in repairing cardiac tissue with stem cell therapy and have also explored methods to increase the efficiency of collecting stem cells from umbilical cords. With their expertise, scientists continue to make significant contributions to stem cell research.