Category Archives: Connecticut Stem Cells

University of Connecticut-Wesleyan University Stem Cell Core

Established in 2006, the University of Connecticut (UConn)-Wesleyan University Stem Cell Core is currently located in the Cell and Genome Sciences (CGS) Building, UConn Health at 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut. Since its establishment, the Core has substantially contributed to the Connecticut stem cell initiative by providing a central source of technologies and materials for research on human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).

Initially supported with institutional funds from UConn, and subsequently by the Connecticut State Stem Cell Research Program, we have expanded to incorporate a Genetics and Genomics Division located on the Storrs campus and provide a wide range of services. We have also incorporated a Genome Editing Division by collaborating with the Gene Targeting and Transgenics Facility atUConn Health.

With these crucial services, many UConn researchers have developed novel approaches to addressing fundamental biological questions and tackling deleterious diseases, and produced significant progress. Competitive state stem cell funding has been awarded to many UConn and Wesleyan researchers since 2006.

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UConn-Wesleyan University Stem Cell Core UConn Health

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB/CBS) -

The viral sensation where people douse themselves with a bucket of ice water to raise awareness for ALS is not sitting well with some Connecticut members of the Catholic Church.

Officials with the church gave their own icy response to the "Ice Bucket Challenge." They want to know where the money is going.

From President George W. Bush to Kermit the Frog, every minute someone else is posting a video of the challenge.

Charles Mihaliak said he can't refresh his Facebook feed without seeing someone new try it. But for now, Mihaliak said he isholding back.

"That would be one of the big things that would hold me back from doing the ice bucket challenge,"Mihaliak, who is an altar server, said. "I would like to raise money for it, but if it goes against my beliefs as a Catholic."

The ALS Association said the phenomenon has done wonders for its fundraising. Money raised topped $41 million since July. That's compared to just about $2 million last year.

"I've had several Catholics tell me today that they were unaware of how research is done for that disease," said Steve Trosley, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, told our sister station WXIX.

Catholic leaders in a handful of Dioceses across country are asking ask if you donate, do it in a way that's consistent with the sanctity of life.

"Since the only way you can harvest embryonic stem cells is from an aborted fetus, we are morally opposed to that," Trosley said.

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Connecticut Catholics respond to ALS ice bucket controversy

Background

The recent discovery of reprogramming human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) offers an innovative approach to the study of many human genetic diseases. Like human embryonic stem cells, iPS cells self-renew indefinitely and have unlimited developmental potential. The creation of patient-specific iPS cells holds great promise for understanding genetic disease mechanisms and for in vitro testing of potential therapies. University of Connecticut induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Core (iPSCC) has extensive experiences in deriving iPSCs for many scientists from both academia and industry. We will continue to provide a high quality, reliable, and efficient reprogramming services to the increasing demands at University of Connecticut and elsewhere, both statewide and nationwide.

We currently produce in-house retrovirus for six factors total, four factors, originally developed in Yamanaka lab, including OCT4, SOX2, C-MYC, and KLF4 and two additional factors, NANOG and LIN28, which were used in Thomson lab for reprogramming. In addition, we produce lentivirus using a single polycistronic lentiviral vector (STEMCCA) to improve efficiency and reduce the number of viral integrations. Furthermore, this vector includes the flanking LoxP sites to facilitate Cre-mediated excision of the vector later if necessary Finally, we are in the process of optimizing the integration-free reprogramming protocols such mRNA transduction and episomal approach.

To initiate this service, please contact the iPSCC at ucscicore@uchc.edu and submit using the the sample submission form. We would be happy to answer questions about our iPSCC derivation service. Once arrangements between client and iPSCC are made, the client can submit the sample to us. Clients can submit either frozen or live cultures.

2) Derivation of iPSC Includes:

iPSCC Validation Service: Validation includes, but not limited to, immunocytochemistry, mycoplasma testing, and teratoma service.

We test NANO and SSEA4 immunostaining for one hESC or iPSC line, or 1 to 5 iPSC lines derived from the same fibroblast sample plate as an add-on to the iPSC derivation service. This service may be ordered separately from our iPSC derivation service (e.g., for other cells), if desired.

b. Mycoplasma Testing:

Mycoplasma test. The University of Connecticut iPSCC provides a sensitive and accurate biochemical mycoplasma test using Myco-Alert kit. Clients submit 2 ml of the spent culture medium to be tested. We request to fill out a separate sample submission form before you request the test online.

c. Teratoma Service:

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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Services Induced ...

Unlocking the Secrets of Stem Cells

Armed with an exceptional team of stem cell scientists, Connecticut's flagship public university has positioned itself at the forefront of today's highly promising stem cell research. UConn's multi-disciplinary effort unites the university's major commitment to the field of regenerative medicine with pioneering research at a new state-of-the-art Cell and Genome Sciences Building adjacent to UConn Health.

When the Connecticut General Assembly authorized public financing of human stem cell research, in 2005, the University of Connecticut's successful track record in this rapidly evolving field had already positioned the University as a leader. The university has responded to the legislation by obtaining grant support to initiate research programs for 30 scientists and physicians studying stem cells from a wide range of perspectives. These include a large program in bone biology focused on regenerative stem cell therapies to repair major bone injuries such as those suffered by U.S. armed forces in Iraq.

UConn has also recruited scientists with hands-on expertise in human embryonic research to establish the Stem Cell Core Laboratory at UConn Health to train and support the next generation of clinical and basic scientists who will lead this new field of investigation into areas of medical practice. Since its initial funding, UConn's Stem Cell Core Laboratory has made dramatic progress, quickly succeeding in:

Every day, in laboratories in Storrs and Farmington, University of Connecticut researchers are striving to unlock the secrets of human stem cells, the so-called "magic seeds" of regenerative medicine. Their work is leading the way toward creation of a new industry with immense potential for Connecticut. And it holds the promise of a bright future for people suffering from dozens of chronic, debilitating and life-threatening diseases.

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Stem Cell Institute: Cell and Genome Sciences: UConn Health