Regenerative medicine becoming a focus at the University of Illinois at Chicago

New center that focuses on stems cells and regenerative medicine being launched by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine (IL, USA).

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine (IL, USA) is set to launch a new center which will focus on stem cells and regenerative medicine. The center is set to partner with a number of colleges and departments across UIC.

Researchers in the new center will investigate molecular signals that drive stem cells to mature into different cell types. The new program will also study the epigenetic regulation of stem cells; determine the best approaches to transplant engineered cells, tissues and organs; and look for ways to efficiently produce the regenerative cells needed for novel treatments.

“The center will use a team-oriented multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates experts in biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering and the clinical sciences to investigate stem cell biology and tissue regeneration,” commented the Schweppe Family Distinguished Professor and Head of Pharmacology Asrar Malik (UIC College of Medicine) who is leading the center.

The current program in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine already has 7 faculty members with more than $10 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (MD, USA). The center plans on recruiting to help build the interdisciplinary foundation of the center.

“This will be the only dedicated stem cell and regenerative medicine center in Chicago with a focus on basic biology and translational science, and will affirm UIC’s leadership role in these fields, and help attract additional talent to our team” concluded Malik.

Source: https://news.uic.edu/uic-launches-center-for-stem-cell-and-regenerative-medicine