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5th Annual
Stepping Forward-
Staying Informed
Consumer Research Conference
October 3, 2009
Stem Cell Treatments for
Spinal Cord Injury and Disease
The Reeve-Irvine Research Center, founded by the late Christopher Reeve and philanthropist Joan Irvine, is a leading center for spinal cord injury research. Dr. Keirstead directs a large team investigating the cellular biology and treatment of spinal cord trauma, research that also has significance for multiple sclerosis and other diseases of the nervous system. The focus of the Keirstead laboratory is the development of strategies to limit degeneration and enhance regeneration after spinal cord injury and disease. The research group is investigating strategies to reduce or eliminate the post traumatic enlargement of spinal cord injury sites that normally occurs after traumatic injury. The team developed an injection-based therapy that significantly decreased tissue loss if administered soon after injury. Human reagents necessary for clinical trials have been generated and a clinical trial using this approach began in late 2005. The Keirstead Research Group also investigates cell transplantation therapy for spinal cord injury and was the first laboratory in North America to gain access to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) for central nervous system trauma research.
At this years conference Dr. Keirstead will be discussing Stem Cell Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury and Disease. As the restrictions on the use of stem cells change, it is imperative that those living with spinal cord injury understand the process and what impact it may have as research progresses and treatments are found. Dr. Keirstead will guide attendees in gaining an understanding of the origin of stem cells as well as their differentiation and application. Dr. Keirstead will also discuss the process of translating stem cell technologies to human applications.
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