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Every single cell in our body can trace its origin to a handful of embryonic stem cells. This is why the amazing versatility of embryonic stem cells holds such tantalizing promise of supplying the body with stem cell transplants to regenerate diseased tissue. But before Salk scientists can harness the power of stem cells, they need to learn more about the molecular mechanisms that give cells their plasticity.
A goal at the Salk Institute is to understand how stem cells give rise to all the different cell types in the body; how they reprogram themselves to become a different cell type; and how they come together to form tissues and organs. Importantly, they will use these remarkable cells to model human diseases and determine the underlying molecular mechanisms for the development of new therapies.
The Stem Cell Initiative Will:
- Uncover the molecular mechanisms that drive self-renewal and differentiation of embryonic stem cells, bringing Salk scientists a step closer to grasp the nature of life.
- Lead to a renewable source of specialized replacement cells to treat conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injuries, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Yield information about the complex events that govern human development and provide opportunities for examining disease in human cells.
- Unlock the innate ability to regenerate whole body parts, a task the human liver is already capable of doing.
- Develop human germ cells as an alternative source for totipotent embryonic stem cells.
Your Gifts to the Stem Cell Initiative Support:
- Construction of a human stem cell core facility and equipping it with the necessary technology to successfully maintain human stem cells.
- Recruitment of two technicians and one staff scientist well versed in the culture of human embryonic stem cells and who can train Salk scientists.
- The establishment of Endowed Senior Chairs to retain outstanding faculty members and Developmental Chairs to provide salary support for assistant professors.
- Rapid and flexible support for innovative and risky ideas that can't be funded through conventional sources.
For information on how to contribute to this initiative, contact:
Rebecca Newman
Vice President, Development and Communications
858-453-4100 x1454
e-mail: rnewman@salk.edu.