Title: Using stem cells in regenerative medicine - are we making progress?

Speaker: Professor Katherine Crosier
University of Auckland.

Room AG.30
Gate 8
Waikato University
Tuesday July 6, 2010 at 7.30 pm.

Abstract:

Stem cells are the foundation cells for every tissue and organ in the body. Under the right conditions, they become programmed to develop into specialized cells such as blood cells or insulin secreting pancreatic cells. There are two main types of stem cells.  Embryonic stem cells exist only at the earliest stages of development, but are capable of generating all of the cells in the body.   Human embryonic stem cells were isolated a decade ago, and while offering considerable potential for regenerative medicine they have also been a source of controversy. Tissue specific (sometimes called “adult”) stem cells are already somewhat specialized and produce a more limited range of cell types.
 
Stem cell research is providing fundamental understanding of normal development and disease processes, with this knowledge now being applied to develop new therapies.  For stem cells to be useful in treating a broad range of diseases in many patients, some big challenges lie ahead.  To date, the field of stem cell therapy has been characterized by considerable hope, but also a degree of hype. This talk will provide an overview of achievements in stem cell research and prospects for the future.