Center Update
SCRMC researchers identify cell type that could be key to preventing marrow transplant complication
New research from the University of Wisconsin–Madison is helping to change that by identifying the cell population that causes GVHD, a target that may make bone marrow transplants safer and more effective.
March 24, 2023
New nanocapsules deliver therapy brain-wide, edit Alzheimer’s gene in mice
Gene therapies have the potential to treat neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, but they face a common barrier — the blood-brain barrier. Now, researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a way to move therapies across the brain’s protective membrane to deliver brain-wide therapy with a range of biological medications and treatments.
February 1, 2023
Lab-grown retinal eye cells make successful connections, open door for clinical trials to treat blindness
A new study suggests that retinal cells grown from stem cells may be ready for trials in humans with degenerative eye disorders.
The organized clusters of cells, or organoids, used in the study were developed in the lab of David Gamm, a SCRMC member, UW–Madison ophthalmology professor, and director of the McPherson Eye Research Institute. While these organoids were developed nearly a decade ago, this is the first time that Gamm and his lab have shown that the organoids have the capacity to communicate across synapses, tiny gaps between cells. This is an important development, which indicates that these organoids can replace diseased cells and carry sensory information to the brain.
January 24, 2023
Improved understanding of early spinal cord development paves the way for new treatments
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are developing the means to turn stem cells into a wide range of specific types of spinal cord neurons and cells in the hindbrain — the critical nexus between the spinal cord and the brain — paving the way for improved prevention and treatment of spinal cord disease.
October 18, 2022
New Department of Defense Grant to Study Fragile X Syndrome in Human Cells
A new study will characterize human stem cell models of fragile X syndrome (FXS) to better understand the mechanisms behind FXS symptoms and how those may inform the search for effective therapies. The study, which will be supported by a three-million-dollar U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) grant, will be led by Xinyu Zhao professor of neuroscience, and Anita Bhattacharyya, assistant professor of cell and regenerative biology. Both are also Waisman Center investigators and Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine members.
October 4, 2022
SURF program prepares students to ride the waves of research
The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center labs welcomed new members this summer, as five talented undergraduate students joined mentors for more than 10-weeks of collaborative research. This unique experience is a part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), which supports motivated University of Wisconsin–Madison undergraduate students as they pursue research in the stem cell sciences.
September 28, 2022