OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research (OCASCR) has awarded $700,000 in grants to seven Oklahoma scientists to fund research involving adult stem cells.
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.
“Oklahoma has some world-class scientists working in the field of adult stem cell research,” said OCASCR Scientific Director Paul Kincade, Ph.D. “These grants will support and, we hope, increase the pace of discoveries in the state.”
The grants, which were selected from among dozens of applicants following review by a panel of scientists , are:
• $72,800 to Myron Hinsdale, Ph.D., at Oklahoma State University for research into using adult stem cells to heal lung disease.
• $192,215 (two grants) to Courtney Houchen, M.D., at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for equipment to test how adult stem cells respond to different drugs and testing compounds.
• $72,800 to Lin Liu, Ph.D., at Oklahoma State University to test if stem cells can be used to cure chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• $72,800 to Pamela Lloyd, Ph.D., at Oklahoma State University for research on the repair of damaged lung capillaries using which could have implications for treatment of emphysema.
• $56,654 to Leonidas Tsiokas, Ph.D., at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for research into using stem cells to combat osteoporosis and other bone loss diseases.
• $123,950 to Linda Thompson, Ph.D., at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for equipment to increase the ability of researchers to identify and study stem cells.
• $114,311 to Carol Webb, Ph.D., at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation to improve a method of generating better stem cells that may increase the pace of research and accelerate development of therapies.
• $4,000 in grants for researchers to attend scientific conferences.
OCASCR is funded through a five-year grant from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). The purpose of the funding is to build Oklahoma excellence in one of the fastest growing areas of medical research.
“This first round of grantees from OCASCR showcases the high caliber of adult stem cell research being conducted in Oklahoma research institutions,” said Tracey Strader, executive director of TSET. “These types of medical research can lead to better health not only for Oklahomans but across the nation and around the world.”
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About OCASCR
OCASCR (www.ocascr.org) was created with funding by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust to build Oklahoma excellence in one of the fastest growing areas of medical research and to 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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