A new collaboration between Genome BC, STEMCELL Technologies, and researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) aims to accelerate stem cell research, with hopes to unlock faster and more effective treatments for a wide range of diseases.
Stem cells, renowned for their ability to develop into various cell types, hold promise for medical research and therapeutic applications. However, the process of guiding these cells to differentiate into specific types, such as heart, brain, or liver cells, has proven time-consuming and complex.
To address this, UBC researchers, funded by Genome BC and with in-kind support from STEMCELL Technologies, are exploring innovative uses of proteins called “transcription factors.” These molecular switches hold the key to controlling cell development and may shorten the time needed to create targeted cell types.
“This research has the potential to streamline the development of new therapies for a range of diseases,” said Dr. Nozomu Yachie, lead researcher from UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering. “By accelerating the process of generating specific cell types, we can expedite the discovery and testing of new treatments.”
A recognized leader in cell culture media and reagents, STEMCELL Technologies plans to translate the research findings into products that will enable scientists globally to further advance stem cell research and clinical applications.
Genome BC’s support for the project reflects its dedication to fostering innovation in life sciences and health research in British Columbia. Through collaborations between academia and industry, Genome BC aims to drive scientific discovery and contribute to human health improvements.
“Genome BC is thrilled to support this collaborative project, which can potentially advance stem cell research in ways that will directly benefit therapeutic development,” said Dr. Federica Di Palma, Chief Scientific Officer and VP of Research and Innovation at Genome BC.
“Speeding up the time it takes to generate specific cell types would be a valuable asset to the scientific community and help drive innovations for some of our most pressing medical challenges.”
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