Regenerative Medicine: Reprogramming Stem Cells to Cure Diseases

Stem cells can self-renew and differentiate into many cell types. In adults, stem cells can only be found in specific organs, while some other organs (e.g., heart and pancreas) do not have stem cells. Doctors can use a process called reprogramming to cure diseases like diabetes or heart failure, even though the diseased organs do not have stem cells. How could this happen? Dr. Wang's research group will tell you stories about the stem cells that can be generated from your skin cells via reprogramming and then changed into all types of adult cells, including cells for the heart and pancreas. They will also discuss other types of reprogramming processes that may be used in regenerative medicine.