Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

Areas of Research

• Basic biology of stem cells
• Pathophysiology of disease and injury
• Stem cells in tissue regeneration

Resources

Confocal Stereology Research Laboratory

To analyze and quantify experimental outcomes of stem cell therapies, it is necessary to utilize the latest advances in imaging technology combined with rigorous quantitative histology by stereology. To advance this analysis, the center has established a dedicated research laboratory to develop automated, high-throughput stereological analysis. To achieve this sampling, the laboratory has an Olympus DSU confocal microscope for unattended automated SRS sampling for confocal stereology. In addition, there is a Leica SP8 resonance scanning confocal microscope for both live cell imaging and for acquiring virtual tissue at rapid, high spatial resolution for stereological analysis. For brightfield material, there is an Olympus microscope equipped for unattended high-throughput stereological sampling. These systems are supported by an off-line analysis workstation equipped with software from MBF Bioscience.

Viral Vector Research Laboratory

Delivery of functional or reporter transgenes to cells in vitro and in vivo is an important tool for the discovery of stem cell regulation and contribution to repair. The center has available resources for the preparation of retroviral and lentiviral vectors to support this research.

Stem Cell Culture Laboratory

Center investigators have access to mammalian cell culture facilities separately dedicated to human and rodent cell culture. Work conducted here includes both the isolation and characterization of adult tissue-derived stem cells and the generation of patient specific induced pluripotent cells (iPCs).

Laser Microdissection and Gene Expression Laboratory

Stem cells in tissue are rare and reside in particular environmental niches that make it difficult to assess gene expression without contamination from surrounding tissue. To identify and collect spatially restricted samples in tissue, the center has a Leica Laser microdissection system and equipment for downstream analysis of gene expression by quantitative PCR. This resource supports studies identifying stem cells in tissue and their contribution to tissue repair. 

Flow Cytometry Facility

Flow cytometry is available to center investigators through an excellent core facility directed by Bob Dickinson, operated under the supervision of Dr. Ronald Kaplan, Executive Vice President for Research