Differentiation and Integration of Stem Cells (Embryonic and Induced-Pluripotent) Into Developing or Damaged Tissues (R01)

archived

The primary focus of the FOA is to promote in vivo studies of stem cells in animal models and in humans (if applicable) to better understand how stem cells function within developing or damaged tissues. The areas of emphasis would include systematically profiling and cataloging changes at genetic and epigenetic levels that take place in stem cells and their microenvironment. The purpose is to gain in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms involved in: progressive differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) into embryonic lineages, progenitor cells and specialized cell types; adult stem cells/progenitor cells during tissue regeneration and wound healing; and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) at the site of injury during stem cell therapy. Understanding the basic mechanisms and application of knowledge-based approaches would allow researchers to generate iPSCs that are more closely related to the ESCs at both genetic and epigenetic levels. Furthermore, it is expected that replicating developmental mechanisms would ameliorate the safety concerns associated with incomplete differentiation and improper integration of cells in damaged or diseased tissues during stem cell therapy.

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