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Send to friendAdvances in stem cell researchare leading to new insights into the origin of disease, the discovery of new treatments, and safer and more effective medicines. Stem cells offer new opportunities to cure incurable diseases. These opportunities are unprecedented in their scope and are transforming the future of science and medicine.
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Learn more about Stem Cells Explained an interactive tutorial Can you find a cure? video |
U-M has been an international leader in stem cell biology. According to various metrics of scientific impact, U-M ranks among the top five institutions in the world in the field of stem cell biology – and our impact is on the rise. Groups from Wired Magazine to the White House have presented awards to U-M stem cell researchers for their work. Discoveries are currently making their way into clinical trials at U-M, and into collaborations with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to develop new therapies for diverse diseases. U-M is leveraging its successes to lead the field into the future.
In 2005, the University launched the UM Center for Stem Cell Biology, based in the Life Sciences Institute under the leadership of noted stem cell biologist Dr. Sean Morrison. The purpose of the Center is to advance both adult and embryonic stem cell research; to make progress on devastating human diseases; and to use stem cell science to answer the most pressing questions of fundamental biology. Current research underway at the Center includes:
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Focus on Labs THE MAILLARD LAB is studying ways to improve allogenic bone marrow transplants, a powerful treatment for some cancers, by making them safer and more available to patients. THE LEE LAB is studying the mechanism by which stem cells self-renew or differentiate, specifically as it relates to brain tumors and other cancers. THE YAMASHITA LAB is studying the mechanisms that regulate the division of germline stem cells and the role these mechanisms play in tissue regeneration and aging. |
Dr. Morrison and other Center faculty were actively involved in public education efforts for the state of Michigan’s 2008 ballot initiative which recently loosened state regulations on embryonic stem cell research, and made Mcihigan one of only three states that protects and regulates stem cell research in the state constitution. The hard-won victory in Michigan, as well as President Obama's executive order easing federal restrictions on funding for embryonic stem cell research, have cleared the way for significant advances in pluripotent stem cell research at the UM. The LSI and CSCB are partners in the new A. Alfred Taubman Consortium for Stem Cell Therapies that is expanding facilities for pluripotent stem cell research at UM.
