Links:

• Stem Cell Course
• NJ Stem Cell
  Network
• StemCellResources
• NJ Stem Cell Symposium
• Human Stem Cell Projects
• Program Project
• Stem Cell Institute of New Jersey
• International Society for Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell FAQs:

• What are stem cells?

Stem cells are defined by their ability to self-renew to make more stem cells and to differentiate to produce every cell type in the body.

• Where do embryonic stem cells come from?

Embryonic stem cells are collected from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst-stage embryo. The embryos are donated by couples undergoing in vitro fertilization, usually after the couple has successfully carried earlier embryos to term. Embryos used to create human stem cells are normally discarded unless they are ethically donated for the creation of stem cells.

• Why are we growing stem cells?

We believe there is much to learn from human embryonic stem cells. Right now, these are the only cells that are known to produce every cell in the body. Stem cells may be coaxed to produce neurons to treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain injury or spinal cord injury. Perhaps other types of stem cells may be useful in the future as well, but right know we know how to turn embryonic stem cells into neurons.

• I hear that only adult stem cells are usable as therapies. Is this true?

Not really. Right now, bone marrow cells and other adult stem cells are being used to treat leukemias and other diseases of the blood-forming system. These methods have been understood for up to 30 years and don't require any treatment of the cells outside the body. While extremely valuable for these specific applications, bone marrow stem cells are very limited in what they can do. Without culturing and sophisticated treatments (not yet approved by the FDA), these cells cannot become neurons. It is likely that advanced cell culture methods will allow the use of either embryonic or adult stem cells to treat heart disease, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries in the future. So yes, only adult stem cells (such as bone marrow transplants) are usable today, but no, other cell types will probably be more valuable in the future.

• What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)?

Recent publications describe a method for changing human skin-derived cells into stem cells by adding four genes that are normally found in human embryonic stem cells. This is very exciting because it might be possible to create stem cells from an adult human for use in curing diseases or injuries in that same person. However, much more work needs to be done to prove that this approach is safe and effective. It remains important to grow embryonic stem cells as the "gold standard" for producing all cell types. Naturally, if iPS cells prove to be safe and effective, most researchers would gladly accept them. This will take time and a great deal of work.

The Rutgers Stem Cell Research Center, part of the Division of Life Sciences of the School of Arts & Sciences, is located in Nelson Laboratories on the Busch Campus of Rutgers University. Its mission is to support research with human embryonic stem cells for Rutgers University researchers and collaborators.

hESC Training Course

The next human embryonic stem cell training course offered at the Stem Cell Research Center will be held September, 2008. Check back for future dates.

2008 NJ Stem Cell Technology Symposium

The Rutgers Stem Cell Research Center, in collaboration with Applied Biosystems and Ambion, sponsored a Stem Cell Technology Symposium at the Bridgewater Marriott on Thursday, September 18th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Support for Non-Exempt Human Stem Cell Projects

The Rutgers Stem Cell Research Center will accept applications from Rutgers or UMDNJ faculty to provide state-funded laboratory space to perform non-exempt human stem cell work. Applicants must obtain ESCRO approval and document sufficient non-federal funding to support their effort on human stem cells. Application forms may be downloaded by clicking here. Email your completed application along with your ESCRO approval number to Dr. Ron Hart.

Program Project

June 19, 2007 - The Rutgers Stem Cell Research Center was awarded a grant from the New Jersey Commision on Science & Technology today to initiate a human embryonic stem cell core facility and to study the use of embryonic stem cells for use in models of neurotrauma. The project includes collaboration with Reprogenetics, LLC, a Livingston, NJ leader in preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Research projects:

• Research Project 1: Differentiation and Transplantation of hESC-derived NSC (PI: Schachner, Co-PI: Grumet, Collaborators: Cohen, & Young).
• Research Project 2: microRNA modulation of hESC differentiation into NSC (PI: Hart, Co-PI: Grumet, Collaborators: Houbaviy, Lakshmipathy & Getts)
• Research Project 3: 3-D Microenvironments For Controlled hESC Renewal and Differentiation (PI: Moghe, Collaborators: Kohn, Schwarzbauer, Cohen & Schachner)

Supporting core facilities:

• Core A: Rutgers hESC Core Facility (PI: Cohen).
• Core B: Reprogenetics hESC Core and Projects (PIs: Drs. Alikani & Sadowy: Collaborator: Dr. George Pieczenik).
• Core C: Imaging and Animal Services, Training, Information, and Administration (PI: Young, Co-PI: Sun, Kane-Goldsmith & Morton).

 

 

Copyright © 2007, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Last updated May 9, 2008 5:34 PM.