Press Kit

USC Stem Cell Research

In 2006, the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California received funds to begin a three-year, $3.16 million stem cell training program as part of the first round of grants awarded by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Understanding the importance of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine as one of the most promising breakthroughs in research in decades, the Keck School of Medicine of USC is dedicated to playing an integral role in advancing this field.

To date, USC has received more than $23.6 million in stem cell grants from CIRM. USC is also a part of the Southern California Stem Cell Scientific Collaboration (SC3), which is an agreement between eight research institutions in Southern California to allow members to share training programs, scientific core facilities and expertise, and to team up on a wide range of research programs.

To further formalize its commitment to this area of study, USC invited Martin F. Pera, M.D., to head the stem cell research team. Pera, an internationally renowned expert in human embryonic and pluripotent stem cells, is widely viewed by his scientific peers as a pioneering leader in the development of this field. He now serves as director of the newly created Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC (CSCRM). Currently, CSCRM encompasses an entire floor of the Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and will also occupy an entire floor of the Harlyne J. Norris Cancer Research Tower.

Faculty at CSCRM take part in basic research programs and collaborate with scientists at other institutions to develop novel platforms in imaging, bioengineering and nanotechnology that can be applied to stem cell research. They also seek ways to translate their work into unforeseeable new therapies that will be aimed at a wide variety of diseases and conditions, as well as to advance stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

Strengthening the School’s promise to remain at the forefront of stem cell research, USC received $25 million from The Broad Foundation in February 2006 to create the Broad Institute for Integrative Biology and Stem Cell Research at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. When completed, the 80,000-square-foot facility will be the pivotal hub for integrative biomedical research on the USC Health Sciences Campus. With the already existing biomedical environment and strength of stem cell research at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, USC is on target to provide multiple opportunities for training the next generation of physicians and scientists who will use stem cells as the basis for research and therapy.

http://stemcell.usc.edu