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Stem Cell Research Fund: Our Current In-House Research

BSCRF scientists are pursuing two types of research to derive pluripotent stem cells, and two lines of research utilizing embryonic stem cell lines developed at Harvard University to develop urgently needed cell types in the laboratory.

Patient-Specific, Pluripotent Stem Cells from Testis

Recent reports of the derivation of patient-specific, pluripotent stem cells from testis biopsies indicate a readily available source of stem cells for men (6,7,8). Bedford Research scientists will begin testing the efficiency of pluripotent stem cell derivation from testis biopsies in 2010, as soon as funding is available. Once the stem cell lines are derived, they need to be tested for pluripotency, stability and safety. They will be compared with all other known sources of human pluripotent stem cells. (read more)

Circadian Rhythm in Stem Cells

Scientists have for years been frustrated in their efforts to grow the trillions of adult stem cells needed for therapies, which is why embryonic stem cells seem promising -- they can multiply endlessly and also develop into any cell in the body. Dr. Kiessling (foundation director), has recently published (Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics) that early human embryo cells express CLOCK, and other circadian genes, that other human cells growing in laboratories did not. This was a surprise. And further research into the expression and control of these circadian genes will be seminal to deriving stable lines of stem cells. (read more)

Pluripotent Stem Cells from Parthenotes

Unfertilized human eggs activated in the laboratory, termed “parthenotes,” can divide into stem cells with the capacity to develop into any body tissue type. In 2001, BSCRF trustee Dr. Jose Cibelli used monkey eggs to report the first derivation of primate parthenote stem cells. Scientists throughout the world are now using the monkey parthenote stem cells for various studies, including one that alleviates Parkinson's disease in a monkey model. Dr. Cibelli and BSCRF Director Dr. Ann Kiessling extended this work to human eggs in 2002. Their pioneering research showed that like monkey eggs, human eggs could be activated in the lab to divide into many cells, giving hope that a line of human parthenote stem cells could be developed. Lack of funding halted this work, but a generous donation in 2004 enabled it to continue.

Learn more about Stem Cell Research and the Foundation's work.

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