Collaboration on stem cell research.
Investigators at the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine have led the world and identified the mechanism available to differentiate embryonic stem cells into a variety of cell types that may be used in the future to restore function to patients with debilitating diseases.
Recently, stem cell biologists at UHN and adjacent medical centres have joined forces to create a new cell type that could provide replacement parts for diseased organs. These medical researchers were able to transform human skin cells into cells that are similar to embryonic stem cells in their ability to differentiate into many types of cells found in the body. These induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells will allow researchers to accurately model human disease for further study and avoid the necessity of using embryonic stem cells for organ replacements. Through the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, we are collaborating with other hospitals to create the Ontario iPS Cell Facility in the Toronto Medical Discovery Tower.
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Expanding research facilities.
In 2007, the Latner Family Foundation Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories officially opened their doors. These new labs are home to exciting initiatives that include minimally invasive staging in lung and esophageal cancer, lung regeneration and repair, the NovaLung program and image-guided surgery. The I3 Centre (Imaging, Intervention and Innovation) continues to progress, with the acquisition of advanced imaging equipment that is now in the testing phase at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. With the Regenerative Medicine team, the I3 Centre will expand its research capability to bring new discoveries to treat heart disease. Thanks to tremendous donor support, we can now look forward to the creation of the Krembil Discovery Centre at TWH.
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Recruiting top scientific talent.
Recruitment continues to be a priority for our institutes. We are nearing completion of our search for a Chair in Imaging, having attracted applications from excellent international candidates.
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Advancing new drug development.
Support for an expanded clinical research infrastructure has allowed us to consolidate clinical research activities at both TGH and TWH. This will improve our ability to perform clinical trials. In addition, we have participated in new drug development in a number of areas, including organ rejection, kidney failure, asthma and airways, and diabetes.
