CAREER: Propagation systems for generation of chromosomally stable human embryonic stem cells

[0744556]本项目的智力优势在于开发了一种完整的体外系统，用于染色体稳定的人类胚胎干细胞（hESCs）的繁殖，并将基因转录与特定的微环境条件联系起来。作为该项目一部分开发的体外繁殖系统将满足以下特定期望：(1)高效，产生高密度和大量的多能细胞；（ii）维持干细胞？几代的基因型和表型完整性；最后，（iii）只使用已定义的、不含动物产品的培养成分。完成这项研究项目所需的技术、工具和思维方式需要跨学科工程、分子遗传学和细胞生物学技能的重叠。首席研究员（PI）计划通过为不同教育水平的学生开发教育模块来提高对这些跨学科技能力量的认识。通过与高中教师、博物馆的公共教育工作者和主要本科大学的教师合作，PI将开发演示和实验室模块，使高中生、本科生和公众受益。这个项目更广泛的影响是将研究成果传达给更广泛的受众，让学生和公众对干细胞研究的最新进展感到兴奋的巨大潜力。

0744556RaoThe intellectual merit of this project is the development of an integrated ex vivo system for propagation of chromosomally stable human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and for relating gene transcription to specific microenvironmental conditions. The ex vivo propagation system developed as part of this project will meet specific expectations that aim to (i) be efficient, producing high densities and quantities of pluripotent cells; (ii) maintain stem cells? genotypic and phenotypic integrity over several generations; and finally, (iii) use only defined, animal-product free culture components. The techniques, tools and mindset required to accomplish this research program require an overlap of interdisciplinary engineering, molecular genetics and cellular biology skills. The Principal Investigator (PI) plans to increase the awareness of the power of these interdisciplinary skills by developing educational modules for students at a variety of educational levels. By working with high school teachers, public educators at museums, and faculty at primarily undergraduate universities, the PI will develop presentation and laboratory modules that will benefit high school students, undergraduate students and the general public. The broader impacts of this project are the enormous potential for communicating research findings to a wider audience and for students and the general public to get excited about the latest advances in stem cell research.