Developing infrastructure for priority research fields

Stem cells hold the promise for a limitless source of cells for scientific or therapeutic applications in various conditions, including metabolic, degenerative and inflammatory diseases, cancer and for repair and regeneration of damaged or lost tissues. However, reliable and reproducible methods for good manufacturing practice conforming generation of undifferentiated and differentiated stem cells should fulfill safety requirements as well as criteria for clinical applications, such as adherence of strict regulations on cell isolation, expansion, differentiation and application. This proposal seeks financial support to establish a new centre, the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine for stem cell research. A completely new building with floor space totaling 4500 m2 will serve as a place for several groups including those of the applicants which will work on basic, translational and clinical applications of stem cells. Therefore we are applying for building and infrastructure support which will include a GMP facility together with equipment for both the GMP and research labs. Our aim is to continue our previous research but also to open new scientific and application directions using human embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells. In association with other institute members and international collaborators we aim to promote drug screening and regenerative medicine by proven long-term basic, preclinical and clinical studies.