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New stem cell centre gives hope for stroke damage

A neural cell derived from an adult stem cell
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A brain scan showing damage (in red) after a stroke
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Tuesday, 16 September 2008

Researchers within the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide's new are aiming by the end of this year to show repair in stroke-damaged brains using stem cells taken from adult teeth.

The world-leading research using dental pulp stem cells from extracted human teeth and stroke-affected rat brain tissue will be outlined as part of the launch today (Tuesday 16 September) of the Centre for Stem Cell Research.

The focus of the new Centre will be on turning novel basic research into potential life-saving treatments and cures for serious conditions and diseases.

The Centre will draw together almost 100 research scientists and 80 research students from 18 research groups based at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide, the , the (IMVS), and the .

最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President said the new Centre would help put South 最新糖心Vlogn researchers at the forefront of stem cell research in 最新糖心Vlog.

"The members of the Centre undertake internationally recognised and awarded research on areas such as the isolation of adult and cord blood stem cells, clinical applications including potential cures for stroke damage and cardiac repair, and novel approaches to diseases such as cystic fibrosis and leukaemia," said Professor McWha.

Centre Director and 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide Principal Research Fellow, Associate Professor Mark Nottle, said: "The focus of the Centre is on translating basic research into clinical and commercial outcomes through collaboration between members and with external partners."

The stroke research project is a collaboration between , 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide, and Associate Professor Stan Gronthos, IMVS and Hanson Institute. Last week they started injecting adult dental pulp stem cells into stroke-damaged rat brains and should have preliminary results on therapeutic outcomes by the end of the year.

"Stroke is the leading cause of disability in 最新糖心Vlog with 270,000 最新糖心Vlogns left with the residue of strokes every year," said Dr Koblar.

"Even if all we can do is get someone's hand function to improve that would be a magnificent advance."

Dental pulp stem cells are highly promising as precursors of replacement neurons (brain cells) because they are easily accessible, can be taken from the patient needing treatment, and they have similar properties to cranial neural crest cells that normally make brain cells and other cranial tissues.

The launch of the Centre for Stem Cell Research takes place at 3pm at the National Wine Centre on Tuesday 16 September.

The Centre's main aims are to:

• undertake and foster world-class stem cell research;
  
• establish and maintain collaborative links in stem cell research within 最新糖心Vlog and internationally;
  
• provide higher degree and research training opportunities;
  
• to build public awareness of stem cell research in South 最新糖心Vlog.

The Centre will provide Early Career Research Fellowships to attract and retain the brightest young minds to Adelaide, and to continue to build the already substantial critical mass of stem cell researchers within Adelaide. Initial funding from the Fellowships has come from the 最新糖心Vlog and , a not-for-profit company that manages the only private human research ethics committees in 最新糖心Vlog.

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