Generating human neural stem and progenitor cells in a porcine model through blastocyst complementation

Porcine blastocyst complementation utilizing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is a potentially transformative approach that could generate whole organs, specific tissues, or discrete cell populations to be harvested for clinical use. Here we propose to utilize interspecies complementation by injecting hPSCs into porcine blastocysts engineered to lack specific endogenous tissues.  The main goal of this project is to generate human neural stem cells and their progeny utilizing this novel approach.

University of Minnesota
Ann M. Parr, MD, PhD

Identifying and targeting antigen specific T cells in diabetes to preserve beta cells

The primary goals of this project are to restore immune homeostasis that allows islet beta cell survival and regeneration as a cure for Type 1 diabetes (T1D). We have generated novel tetramer reagents and will use them to track and phenotype diabetes relevant T cells in T1D patients. These reagents will also be coupled to toxins and used to selectively kill self-reactive T cells and allow pancreatic islet beta cells to survive and regenerate.

University of Minnesota
Brian Fife, PhD

Mapping diaphragm stem cell features to treat Muscular Dystrophy

Scientists in recent years have developed processes that allow them to generate cells from a specific type of stem cell. In order to do this, though, they need to know the features and genetic markers of the type of cell that they are trying to create. Researchers have learned much about muscle cells by focusing on the muscles used for movement, such as those in the limbs, but little research has been specifically performed on the diaphragm muscle.

University of Minnesota, Cardiology
Dr. Alessandro Magli, PhD
2015-2016
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