An Experimental Model of Neural Differentiation: a Model for Engineering Techniques

#stem #cell #bio #engineering #differentiation
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Speaker: Pranela Rameshwar

Abstract of the talk: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are in clinical trials for a variety of disorders and thus far, there is no report of deleterious effect. Early studies suggested that MSCs were mesodermal in origin. However, more recent studies seem to indicate that MSCs could be neuroectodermal in origin. This origin would explain why MSCs can form functional neurons with ease. MSCs are proposed for several medical indications, mostly due to reduced ethical concerns, ease in expansion, ability to be transplanted across allogeneic barrier (off-the-shelf) and plasticity. Indications include, but are not limited to therapy for inflammation, tissue repair, protection from tissue damage and neuronal disorder. Despite the therapeutic promise for MSCs, there are variations in the data among and within labs. This hindrance appears to be mostly due to the lack of a consensus to expand MSCs. Studies will be presented on the potential treatment of spinal cord and traumatic brain injury with MSCs and the utility of zebrafish in these studies. The seminar will discuss the application for MSCs with regards to neuronal differentiation and explain how this could be an advantage to bypass the major safety issue on MSCs’ involvement in tumors.


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  • Campus NJIT, University Heights
  • Newark, New Jersey
  • United States
  • Building: Fenster Hall
  • Room Number: 698
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  • Starts 09 December 2013 04:00 AM UTC
  • Ends 13 December 2013 06:00 PM UTC
  • No Admission Charge

  Speakers

Pranela Rameshwar Pranela Rameshwar of Rutgers Medical School at Newark, NJ.

Biography: Dr. Rameshwar is a professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at New Jersey Medical School (NJMS), Rutgers. She received a B.S. degree in medical microbiology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a Ph.D. in biology from Rutgers University, New Jersey. Dr. Rameshwar performed postdoctoral studies in hematopoiesis at New Jersey Medical School. She started as a faculty member at New Jersey Medical School in 1995. Dr. Rameshwar’s research interest is in stem cell biology. Her laboratory also studies breast cancer dormancy with a focus on cancer stem cells; neural regulation of hematopoiesis, the immunology of adult human mesenchymal stem cells, and clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells. Her research continues to be funded by federal, state, and other agencies. Dr. Rameshwar has authored 200 publications, including original articles, reviews, editorials and book chapters. Dr. Rameshwar is also a university Master Educator. Dr. Rameshwar is the editor-in-chief of the international, peer-reviewed journal Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy.




Agenda

WHEN? Friday, 13 December 2013 @ 12:00pm, Refreshments (Pizza, Soda) will be provided.

WHERE? Fenster 698, Campus NJIT, Newark, NJ 07102

MORE INFO? RaquelPC@njit.edu, Dr Raquel Perez-Castillejos, Chair, North Jersey IEEE-EMBS.