Mission, Goals, and Vision

Mission
The objective of the Stem Cell Institute is to further our understanding of the potential of stem cells to improve human and animal health.

Goals
1. To build further basic research in genetics and genomics , developmental biology , cell biology and physiology of stem cells and their differentiated progeny.

2. To translate basic research into novel therapies for genetic and degenerative disorders.

3. To apply new stem cell-based therapies in the clinic through already established clinical programs at the University of Minnesota.

4. To advance and disseminate knowledge concerning the biology and physiology of stem cells.

5. To foster and increase public knowledge and awareness of stem cells and their potential clinical applications.

6. To address ethical issues in stem cell biology and therapies.

Vision
In recognition of the seemingly unlimited potential of stem cells in the treatment of human and animal diseases, the University of Minnesota has established the "Stem Cell Institute". Degenerative diseases will increase in frequency over the next decades due to aging of the population. These will include neurological, cardiovascular, bone and cartilage, and metabolic diseases.

Study of stem cell behavior - proliferation, differentiation, and possibly "de-differentiation" - is fundamental to development such therapies. The Stem Cell Institute will be recruiting investigators with interests in fundamental studies related to cell differentiation and de-differentiation, stem cell functional genomics and proteomics, and genetic manipulation of stem cells as well as investigators in neural stem cell, pancreas and liver stem cell, cardiovascular and bone-cartilage stem cell biology.

In collaboration with the blood and marrow transplantation, cardiology, surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, endocrinology and hepatology departments, a Clinical Trials Program will be established. This program will exploit new observations by basic investigators in the Stem Cell Institute and translate them in clinical trials. The Stem Cell Institute is uniquely positioned in the development and testing of novel biological agents through its link to the Clinical Program of Experimental Therapeutics and Minnesota Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics Facility.

Due to the potential of stem cells in the treatment of human disease, significant public attention has been generated regarding the origin of stem cells (ES versus adult), nuclear reprogramming, cloning, and organogenesis. The progress in stem cell research together with advances in deciphering of the genetic code and genetic diagnosis requires responsible and ethical conduct in research.