TSRI Research Seminar Series

“Are There Stem Cells in the Adult Pancreas?”

H. Teresa Ku, PhD Associate Professor Dept. of Translational Research and Cellular Therapeutics Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope Wednesday, June 29, 2016 12-1 p.m. The Saban Research Building Auditorium 4661 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90027

Whether adult pancreas contains dedicated stem cells is a controversial area of research. Our laboratory addressed this issue by designing unique in vitro colony assays (also known as organoid culture) utilizing methylcellulose-containing semisolid media. Using our pancreatic colony assays and single cell/colony analyses, we found that there is a minor population of cells in the adult murine pancreas that can self-renew and differentiate, suggesting that they are stem-like cells. Our work has implications in cell replacement therapy of patients with type 1 diabetes.

Lunch provided to first 70 attendees. Help us save plastic! Bring your own water bottles. Water will be available to fill your bottles. Brought to you by TSRI Office of Training, Education, Career Planning & Development (TECPAD)

For questions contact tecpad@chla.usc.edu

Hosted by Senta Georgia, PhD Assistant Professor of Pediatrics Division of Endocrinology Children’s Hospital Los Angeles