HESC– Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell
Research and Education

About Us

Overview | Our Mission | Accomplishments | Services

Overview

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The Stanford University Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Education was established in 2007 under the auspices of the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. The Center is directed by Dr. Renee Reijo Pera, PhD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and located in Palo Alto, California. Here, students and scientists, at all career levels, may receive instruction in basic and advanced techniques integral to success in stem cell biology. In addition, we extend our programs to those from other universities and colleges to further our mission of expanding the potential of human embryonic stem cell research.

The Center has a comprehensive, integrated training and research program in the fundamental biology of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), human development and reprogramming. This initiative builds on the extensive expertise of Stanford faculty in developmental genetics and stem cell biology, including leading discoveries in the areas of hESCs, tissue and organ stem cells, and cancer stem cells. To support this effort, we have established a Shared Resource Laboratory (SRL) and practical training in Basic Stem Cell Techniques Course that enable investigators at Stanford, neighboring institutions (the University of California at Santa Cruz, the Parkinson’s Institute and the University of California at Davis) and across the state of California to engage in basic science, engineering, and clinical medicine related to stem cells. The SRL is intricately coupled to the Stanford CIRM-sponsored training program, providing a fully implemented service and training center to support research in hESCs across all disciplines.



Our Mission

The Center’s core mission is to address fundamental questions regarding human development, genetics and disease etiology using human embryonic stem cell and alternative pluripotent stem cell approaches. The research will culminate in translation to the clinic in a timely manner and be aligned with an outstanding educational program.


Accomplishments

  • Established an embryonic stem cell resource core in California including protocols to gather data and information and to collect embryos and oocytes for research.
  • Derived and characterized numerous hESC lines. 
  • Established an SCNT research program that includes researchers with experience in human SCNT.
  • Differentiated hESCs to the germ cell lineage, as well as multiple other lineages.
  • Derived multiple, clonal genetically-modified sublines for transplantation experiments.
  • Established the fundamental parameters of homologous recombination in hESCs in collaborative efforts.
  • Established research in core areas and garnered substantial financial support from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
  • Developed space and plans for a center for hESC education in Northern California.
  • Developed a proposal to center our research efforts on human developmental genetics and clinical translation.

Services

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Line Distribution
We distribute NIH-registered and non NIH-registered stem cell lines to researchers worldwide. More »

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Education
We teach and train researchers at all levels how to work with human embryonic stem cells. More »

Core Facility
We provide logistical support to researchers. More »

 


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