Irvine, Calif., June 5, 2007 UC Irvine today was awarded $3.9 million to upgrade its core embryonic stem cell research laboratory and expand a program to train young scientists on research techniques involving human embryonic stem cells. The grant brings total CIRM funding for UCI to $17.5 Million

This grant is part of more than $50 million in Shared Research Laboratory funding awarded to 17 institutions by the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee, the governing board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. CIRM awards are intended to fund laboratories and equipment for the growth of human embryonic stem cells and training for scientists and technical staff who grow and maintain these cells. All grants are subject to review and revision by CIRM.

We are honored to be chosen for this funding, which will allow us to enhance our already top-notch facility and popular training course, said Peter Donovan, co-director of the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at UCI. Modern facilities and trained scientists are key to developing future stem cell therapies.

UCIs core laboratory is located within the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center and is equipped with instruments critical to human embryonic stem cell research. Scientists use the laboratory to explore the biology of human embryonic stem cells and their use in therapies for spinal cord injuries, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, heart disease, retinal disease, and Alzheimers and Huntingtons diseases.

With CIRM funding, UCI plans to create more laboratory research space and purchase new equipment designed to genetically modify and analyze stem cells, as well as equipment to isolate specialized cells for disease treatment. It also plans to renovate space where potential stem cell-based treatments are tested prior to moving them to the clinic.

Notably, UCI was one of only six institutions in the state chosen by CIRM
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Contact: Jennifer Fitzenberger
jfitzen@uci.edu
949-824-3969
University of California - Irvine
5-Jun-2007