CU-Boulder Stem Cell Experts
President Barak Obama today lifted restrictions on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research, which many scientists believe could lead to new treatments for various diseases. Three University of Colorado at Boulder experts are available to talk about the biology of stem cell research and some of the implications of the executive order.
Molecular, cellular and developmental biology Professor Jonathan Van Blerkom -- Van Blerkom, who specializes in reproductive biology, said the outcome of Obama's executive order is still unclear, since it does not address a separate legislative ban on the study of very early human embryos created by in-vitro fertilization with known genetic or developmental defects. During his career Van Blerkom has developed 11 stem cell lines, which are derived from human or animal tissues that can replicate for long periods of time. He worked with federal research grants and private funding prior to 2001, and private funding since the Bush administration's ban on embryonic stem cell research in 2001.
Van Blerkom and his colleagues in MCD biology are working on building stem cells "from the ground up" by manipulating them immediately after fertilization and attempting to guide the cells to perform specific tasks by regulating molecular pathways rather than harvesting them from embryos for later laboratory manipulation. Van Blerkom said the largest research universities and major pharmaceutical companies are likely to receive the lion's share of new federal funding. Van Blerkom can be reached at 303-492-6664 or at Jonathan.Vanblerkom@colorado.edu.
MCD biology Professor Bradley Olwin -- Olwin studies skeletal muscle stem cells. Olwin recently identified a type of skeletal muscle stem cell within a population of satellite cells located between muscle fibers and surrounding connective tissue responsible for the repair and maintenance of skeletal muscles. Olwin can be reached at 303-492-6816, or at Bradley.olwin@colorado.edu.
MCD biology Assistant Professor Rui (pronounced 'Ray') Yi -- Yi studies the genetic regulation in mammal skin cells, including stem cells and cancer. His interests include how mammalian skin functions as a barrier to protect inner organs from environmental hazards and to keep essential fluids within the body. Yi can be reached at 303-492-6703 or at Rui.Ye@colorado.edu.