SCRMC Services for Members
Research > SCRMC Services for Members
The complexities and interdisciplinary nature of stem cell and regenerative medicine research necessitate collaboration and access to facilities outside the scope of any one investigator’s laboratory. Thus, to facilitate stem cell and regenerative medicine research on campus, shared resources are an essential aspect of the SCRMC. These resources give individual investigators access to state-of-the-art technologies, with appropriate expertise to assist in training, experimental planning and data analysis.
A list of SCRMC services follows. Members can apply for access to these services via the applications form. Once accepted, users should e-mail service directors to arrange further details. We hope to significantly subsidize costs associated with these services, but this will depend on use over time and is subject to change.
Stem Cell Services
James Thomson, Director
This service will provide new tools for efficient maintenance of stem cells and will provide access to cutting edge techniques to enable genetic manipulation of hESCs. For example, such technologies could permit purification of specific cell populations as well as tracking of cells once they are implanted into recipient animals and tissues. This service will also provide SCRMC members with FGF-2 protein where needed for maintenance of hES cells.
Immunology and Pathology Services
William Burlingham, Director
Immune rejection of transplanted allogeneic stem cells or derivatives is a major barrier to bringing such cell-based transplantation to clinics. The Immunology and Pathology Core will provide detailed immunologic testing and immunopathologic evaluation. These steps are essential for developing strategies to facilitate allogeneic transplants. The resources and services will provide a broad assessment of the humoral and cellular immune responses to transplantation of hES cells or their derivatives in a variety of contexts, e.g., across MHC barriers and using varying degrees of immunosuppression.
Nonhuman Primate Services
Joseph Kemnitz, Director
Projects to develop cell replacement therapies may require that researchers implant stem cells into nonhuman primates to test efficacy and assess possible side effects before proceeding to human trials. In this context, nonhuman primates will be made available through the Nonhuman Primate Services core at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center. Specific services include the provision of appropriate monkeys and primate tissue for projects, specialized animal husbandry, assistance with procedures such as surgeries and clinical assessments of monkeys, and appropriate terminal procedures and preparation of tissues for analysis.
Cellular and Molecular Imaging Services
Clive Svendsen, Director
Understanding the ability of stem cells to differentiate in vitro or tracking the fate of transplanted stem cells requires advanced microscopic imaging techniques and analyses. This service will provide access to confocal microscopy imaging and stereology through the Waisman Center Cellular and Molecular Core, as well as assistance with image analysis through discussions with qualified staff.
Small Animal Imaging Service
Jamey Weichert, director
Serial tracking of transplanted stem cells in living animals will provide essential information regarding the fate and localization of the cells and their ability to repair damaged tissue. Service technicians will perform whole animal imaging that will enable tracking of cells with micro CT, PET and/or MRI. They will use state-of-the-art equipment following transplantation in collaboration with the Department of Radiology and will assess in vivo physiological effects of transplantation. In addition, the core will provide imaging using one of the world’s only small animal combined PET/CT scanner, which can provide functional information for precise anatomical localization studies.