The Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy

Abstract Objectives In heart as an organ with low renewal capacity, the processes regulating the differentiation of human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) are crucial for cardiac diseases therapy. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles during heart development. In this research, the expression profile of a few candidate miRNAs was studied in serial differentiation stages of the hCSCs Read More

Abstract Human pluripotent stem cells can be derived from reprogrammed fibroblasts using overexpression of pluripotency factors (human induced pluripotent stem cells, or hIPSCs). These pluripotent cells are characterized by their capacity to self-renew in vitro while maintaining their property to differentiate into a broad number of cell types. By combining these unique properties, hIPSCs could enable the generation of Read More

Abstract We are working to generate human red blood cells from human pluripotent stem cells at sufficient levels of quality and safety to warrant entry to pre-clinical and clinical studies. These in vitro generated red blood cells (RBCs) offer an alternative to donated blood and may be of particular use for patients receiving repeated red cell transfusions including those with sickle cell disease and thalassaemias. In order to Read More

Abstract Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cells capable of differentiating into other cell lineages in vivo. Global gene expression analysis of hESCs that differentiate into neural cells would help to further define the molecular mechanisms involved in neurogenesis in humans. We performed a comprehensive transcriptome and proteome analysis of hESC differentiation at three different stages: early neural differen Read More

Abstract Our research is focused on understanding the contribution of environmental and genetic factors in the development of obesity and obesity related diseases. We seek to gain a better understanding of these diseases by capturing the disease genotype through the creation of induced pluripotent patient-specific stem cells. These cells can then be used to interrogate the disease phenotype in differentiated adult cells typ Read More

Abstract Stem cells are unspecialized cells able to divide and produce copies of themselves and having the potential to differentiate, ie to produce other cell types in the body. Because of the latter ability, the scientists investigate their possible use in regenerative medicine. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), especially, have huge therapeutic potential because they can give rise to every cell type in the body (pluripotency) as compared Read More

Abstract Using stem cells for research is one of the most controversial issues that affect the human rights and dignity. On the other hand, this is one of the most important technologies for living organisms. Recently it became more important for research and research organizations due to the hopes of the expected outcomes. Many ethical issues were raised regarding the source of the stem cells and research goals. Regional a Read More

Abstract Therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are believed to occur not only by direct differentiation into injured tissue cells, but also by production of paracrine and autocrine factors. MSCs at the injured tissue environments can promote the secretion of a variety of cytokines and growth factors that have both paracrine and autocrine activities. On this line several studies were performed. For instance, in probin Read More

Abstract Myocardial infarction or failure is a leading cause of mortality in civilized countries. The cardiomyocytes do not have a high regenerative potential often leading, upon disease progression, to regional contractile dysfunction, and necrotized regions slowly replaced by fibroblasts forming scar tissues. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are one of the most promising cell types for cell therapy and tissue engineering or tra Read More