UCSF Institute for Regeneration Medicine

boldly moving forward

With their ability to direct the production of all different types of human cells and tissues, stem cells offer a breathtaking scope of therapeutic potential. From cancer and AIDS to diabetes and spinal cord injuries, from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases to heart disease, wound healing and beyond, the understanding of stem cells promises to reveal the mysteries of virtually every disease known to humanity.

Capitalizing on its existing research and clinical strengths, UCSF has launched the Institute for Regeneration Medicine, headquartered at the UCSF Parnassus Heights campus. The Institute will apply for grants from the state's California Institute for Regenerative Medicine when it receives state funding, which is anticipated to occur in 2007. In the meantime, the Institute is boldly moving forward to raise the private support needed to build state-of-the-art core research facilities, advance scientific programs, and recruit innovative researchers and physician-scientists.

In an off-campus laboratory UCSF faculty members have created 11 new human embryonic stem cell lines, which they are sharing with fellow researchers around the globe.

Unfortunately, the scientists cannot share these new stem cell lines with other UCSF researchers. Current federal policy does not allow research on new stem cell lines to be performed in laboratories that receive federal research funding. To conduct research with these new lines, current laboratories must be renovated and new ones constructed with funding from private philanthropy.

The Institute's most pressing need is to raise private funds to renovate a laboratory in the Health Sciences Building on the Parnassus campus, allowing UCSF researchers to study human embryonic stem cells. In the near future, this effort will be expanded to include a larger research facility to meet the growing needs of the Institute.

For information on supporting stem cell research at UCSF, as well as naming opportunities in the new laboratory, contact Linda Buck at 415/476-3953 or lbuck@support.ucsf.edu.

Related Links:
UCSF Stem Cell Research
Institute for Regeneration Medicine - Mission and Goals