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Genomic Medicine
Team goal
Gain an understanding of specific cells to better implement regenerative cell therapy for diseases and disorders.
Team description
This area is focused in the development and application of new technologies and clinical approaches to cell therapy and regenerative medicine. This field is based on advances in understanding of the biology of adult and embryonic stem cells and tissue-specific progenitor cells, as well as matrices, biomaterials, and co-factors that guide and promote the regeneration and function of specific tissues.
Examples include the development of culture-derived stem cells or biomaterials for regeneration of damaged heart tissue, replacement of insulin-producing beta cells in diabetes, repair of damaged brain tissue after stroke, and strengthened bone tissue in osteoporosis.
The economic potential in this area is immense, targeting new therapies for a broad range of diseases including ischemic heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, pediatric disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. This program will capitalize on University of Utah strengths in medicine, genetics, developmental biology, and tissue engineering, and it will take advantage of expertise in cell manufacturing and regulatory compliance already established in the U of U Cell Therapy Facility.