Stem Cell Physiology

Researchers in the Stem Cell Physiology Research Unit, located at The Biomedical Research Centre at UBC, are studying the biology of bone marrow stem cells and the immune system. They are focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms that control how bone-marrow stem cells self-renew and how they differentiate into and function as specific types of blood cells. Their long-term goal is to understand how defence, repair, and regeneration are regulated and how this knowledge can be exploited to benefit health and offer new treatments for disease.

Leader:

Members:

  • Wilf Jeffries, DPhil
    University of British Columbia
  • Juergen Kast, PhD
    University of British Columbia
  • Kelly McNagny, PhD
    University of British Columbia
  • Fabio Rossi, PhD
    University of British Columbia
  • Hermann Ziltener, PhD
    University of British Columbia

The many cells that make up the blood and immune system are continuously produced throughout life from hemopoietic stem cells residing in the bone marrow. The ability of these cells to perform this function is why bone-marrow transplants can be used to treat leukemia and other blood or immune disorders.

Researchers in the Stem Cell Physiology Research Unit, located at The Biomedical Research Centre at UBC, are studying the biology of bone marrow stem cells and the immune system. They are focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms that control how bone-marrow stem cells self-renew and how they differentiate into and function as specific types of blood cells. Their long-term goal is to understand how defence, repair, and regeneration are regulated and how this knowledge can be exploited to benefit health and offer new treatments for disease.

The Biomedical Research Centre’s researchers recently made important discoveries about the ways bone marrow stem cells differentiate into various types of cells that can fuse with cells in other tissues – such as brain or muscle – to contribute genes. This and other work is contributing to the investigation of how bone-marrow stem cells and their “progeny” protect the body from infection, repair, and the regeneration of damaged tissues. With MSFHR funding, the research unit will be able to accelerate work in two research sub-themes:

Award term completed September 2009.