AIBN Seminar: Directing human pluripotent stem cells towards specific fates

Event Details

Date:

Friday, 21 September 2012

Time:

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Room:

Physiology Lecture Theatre 360, Building 63

UQ Location:

Physiology Lecture Theatres (St Lucia)

Event category(s):

Full Description:: Presenter: Tiziano Barberi, PhD, Associate Professor and Group Leader, Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), Monash University

Abstract: My group’s research is focused on in setting up methods to identify and isolate specialized stem/progenitor cells originating from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) that may have therapeutic applications. Using hPSC as a research tool, we also aim to address fundamental questions in development, such as how pluripotent cells undergo lineage restriction and fate specification. In particular, we are interested in the development and differentiation of striated skeletal muscle cells, the development and differentiation of the retina, as well as neural crest and cranial placode specification during early neurulation. In my presentation I will show how we can direct hPSC towards specific fates and isolate restricted progenitor cells using FACS technology. Specifically, I will discuss our data on the isolation of lens epithelium and retinal progenitors. Some data about skeletal muscle development from hPSC will also be described.