Research summary
Stem cell-based therapies hold great promise for addressing diseases that afflict millions of Canadians, including many forms of cancer, muscular and neurological degenerative disorders, diabetes and arthritis. But a lack of understanding of basic stem cell biology has hindered the proper application of stem cell therapy and led to the proliferation of unproven and potentially unsafe uses in private clinics.
Dr. Sheila Teves, Canada Research Chair in Mechanisms of Gene Regulation, aims to remedy this by studying how embryonic stem cells are able to maintain themselves indefinitely while also retaining the ability to differentiate into any cell type of the body. Using cutting-edge technologies such as gene editing, genomics and single-molecule imaging, she and her research team plan to dissect the molecular underpinnings that make stem cells such versatile therapeutic agents. Ultimately, their research will lead to potential breakthroughs in stem cell biology and its potential for therapy.