Indiana (Stem Cell) – what-when-how

Indiana is working to establish itself as a leader in nonembryonic stem cell research to avoid the conflicts associated with embryonic stem cell research. Thus, researchers have supportive legislation and funding, as well as public support, with a goal of improving the economy in the biotechnology sector.

As no federal legislation in the United States regulates stem cell research (except by an executive order to not allow federal funding to be used for embryonic stem cell research except on human embryonic stem cell lines created before August 9, 2001), each state is responsible for determining policy and funding for stem cell research. In Indiana, stem cell research is permitted on adult stem cells and fetal stem cells if consent is received from the biological parent. Indiana prohibits research on human embryonic stem cells in accordance with Indiana code 31-20-2, regarding embryos from assisted reproduction. The law also prohibits the sale of oocytes, zygotes, embryos, and fetuses.

In 2007 the Indiana legislature also approved the establishment of an Adult Stem Cell Research Center at Indiana University and gave the Indiana University School of Medicine approval to administer the center, including appointing a director and accepting income from donations, gifts, and so on, to be used to support the centers activities.

BioCrossroads is a development organization to enhance economic growth in the life sciences. The organization provides money and support to business start-ups and established businesses in biotechnology by providing networking and collaboration opportunities among Indianas various academic, clinical, and industry institutions. Money is available through the Indiana Future Fund and the Indiana Seed Fund

Other services provided by BioCrossroads include the Indiana Health Information Exchange, which facilitates the sharing of clinical information among healthcare providers and other healthcare entities, and the Translational Research Initiative partnership with Indiana University, which leverages resources in promoting life science research to gain national and private grant funding.

Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis was founded in 1969. The university offers bachelors, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees in a variety of disciplines including medicine, biology, engineering, math, and physical sciences. The university is home to the Indiana University School of Medicine.

The Adult Stem Cell Research Center to be established at Indiana University will fall under the purview of the School of Medicine to encourage collaboration among all of Indianas stem cell researchers. Research being done or completed by the university includes the discovery of cells that control the creation of endothelial cells and investigating the possibility of using these cells for medical treatment for circulation problems in the extremities, for heart disease, and for repair of blood vessels, and to use adult stem cells to alleviate diseases secondary to increasing age,

The Emerging Technology Center in Indianapolis allows the university to assist business startups using discoveries made by researchers at the university. EndGenitor Technologies Inc. is one such firm and has capitalized on the research performed by university professors. The start-up company intends to develop and market test kits for researchers to test samples for endothelial stem and progenitor cells.

The Indiana Cord Blood Bank collects, preserves, and stores cord blood as a source of adult stem cells for use in blood transplants for treating blood diseases and cancers, anemia, inherited metabolic disorders, and immune system deficiencies.

The Bindley Bioscience Center opened in 2005 through funding provided by a Purdue alumnus to integrate the life sciences and engineering departments for cross-discipline research at the university. The speciality of the center is basic research with a focus on translating this research to clinical application for testing, diagnosis, and treating human disease, including tissue engineering for use in regenerative medicine.

Visit link:

Indiana (Stem Cell) - what-when-how