Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research hosts lecture by cord blood expert
OKLAHOMA CITY, May 28, 2010 – The Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) hosted a lecture on May 25 by Hal Broxmeyer, Ph.D., a pioneer in transplanting stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood and adult bone marrow. The lecture, “Regulating Hematopoietic Stem Cells for Enhanced Function and Engraftment,” was free and open to scientists and members of the general public. It will take place at noon in the Wileman Auditorium at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13 th Street in Oklahoma City.
Broxmeyer is president of the American Society for Hematology and a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. His lecture is the first in a series sponsored by OCASCR. Created by state mandate and funded by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, OCASCR aims to promote and enhance research in adult stem cells, recruit more stem cell researchers to the state and educate the public about stem cell research. Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells that spend most of their existence in a slumber-like state before transforming into mature cells of various kinds. One type of stem cells resides within bones and accounts for the daily replacement of all blood cells. Such stem cells, possessed by humans of all ages, are not to be confused with embryonic stem cells, which are found only in early-stage embryos.
During his visit, Broxmeyer met with several Oklahoma scientists to discuss adult stem cell research. “As a pioneer in the field, his guidance was invaluable,” said OCASCR Scientific Director Paul Kincade, Ph.D. “OCASCR is committed to bringing in trailblazers from around the world to share and collaborate with Oklahoma scientists.”
For more information on the lecture or OCASCR, please call (405) 271-7473 or email Kelly-gentry@ocascr.org.
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About OCASCR
OCASCR (www.ocascr.org) was created by state mandate and funded by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement
Endowment Trust to build Oklahoma excellence in one of the fastest growing areas of medical research and
serve as a trusted resource for public information. The center opened in April 2010 and will enhance adult stem
cell research by providing grant funding for researchers, encouraging recruitment of scientists, and providing
education to the people of Oklahoma.
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