Core Lead: Dr. Francis Lynn
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into any of the cell types present in the human body1. PSCs cells exist in the inner cell mass during early human development and can be isolated and expanded from this stage of development as embryonic stem cells (hESC) or they can be generated by reprogramming adult somatic cells using the “Yamanaka” factors (OCT4, KLF4, SOX2 and c-MYC) to form induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Up until Year 3, Centre investigators have been largely using hESCs as a starting material for generating stem cell-derived islets; however, iPSCs have also been used.
Dr. Lynn has over 10 years of experience in generating iPSCs and currently directs the Tissue and Disease Modelling Core (TDMC) at BCCHR, which helps Institute investigators cost-effectively generate iPSCs from any patient. To date, the TDMC has generated iPSCs from over 60 patients and also provides genome editing services to Institute investigators, and on average completes 25 projects per year.
Objective of the Core: The overall objective of the Core is to provide reprogramming and PSC genome editing services to Breakthrough T1D CoE at UBC investigators to expedite research Projects and help provide cutting-edge, T1D-relevant models, and next generation cell therapies.
