Regenerative medicine is a scientific and medical discipline focused on harnessing the power of stem cells and the body’s own regenerative capabilities to restore function to damaged cells, tissues and organs.

Researchers in this field seek to understand how and why various kinds of stem cells are able to develop into specialized cells and tissues. Basic scientists and doctors working together are growing stem cells into specific types they hope to transplant into patients to repair or replace damaged or destroyed cells. Researchers also aim to develop tissue replacement therapies that could restore lost function in damaged organs, or perhaps even grow new, fully functioning organs for transplant.

In addition to the study and development of stem cells, regenerative medicine also includes the field of tissue engineering. Bioengineers working with developmental biologists, physicians, nanotechnologists and other specialists can construct connecting tissues and potentially organs on matrices, or scaffolds made of biological materials to resemble cartilage, bone and other supporting structures that support cellular, tissue and organ growth. This 3D approach mimics human anatomical development much better than anything researchers can come up with in a culture dish. It is the next step to testing therapies for safety and effectiveness before trying them in animals and in people.

Regenerative medicine also seeks to understand and promote the ability of an organ or tissue to
repair itself. Many adult tissues contain stem cells, but the stem cells are dysfunctional or impaired by disease. Using factors to activate and promote instrinsic repair processes in a diseased organ opens up whole new horizonsfor therapies targeted toward many degenerative diseases.

Thus, specially grown tissues and cells, structures resembling artificial organs other laboratory-made compounds, and combinations medicine approach to treating injuries and disease. Regenerative medicine can involve the production of new tissue or simply improving the function of existing tissue.

Many UW–Madison scientists are using regenerative medicine approaches to grow cells and
tissues with the overriding goal of helping the body repair itself. In some cases, clinical trials
pioneering these new therapies are beginning.