Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research

Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research
Name	Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research
Established	2005
Parent	University of California, Los Angeles
Director	Thomas Rando
City	Los Angeles
State	California

Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research is a major interdisciplinary research hub at the University of California, Los Angeles. Founded with a transformative gift from philanthropists Eli Broad and Edythe Broad, it was established to advance the understanding and application of stem cell science. The center serves as a cornerstone for translating basic discoveries into clinical therapies, positioning UCLA at the forefront of this dynamic field.

History and establishment

The center was formally launched in 2005 following a landmark $20 million donation from Eli Broad and Edythe Broad, prominent philanthropists with a long history of supporting biomedical innovation. This founding gift was instrumental in catalyzing stem cell research across UCLA in the wake of California Proposition 71 (2004), which created the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The establishment consolidated existing expertise from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the UCLA College of Letters and Science, creating a unified institute. Its creation was part of a broader vision to make Los Angeles a global epicenter for regenerative medicine.

Research focus and programs

The center's research is organized around several key disease areas, including cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. A primary focus is on understanding the fundamental biology of pluripotent stem cells, both embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Major programs investigate hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, tissue engineering, and the role of stem cells in aging and organ regeneration. Collaborative projects often bridge the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the UCLA Brain Research Institute.

Key facilities and resources

Central to the center's operations is the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center Core Facility, which provides researchers with advanced technologies like flow cytometry, genomic sequencing, and high-content screening. The facility supports the derivation and maintenance of novel stem cell lines. Researchers also have access to specialized laboratories within the UCLA Health system and the California NanoSystems Institute for biomaterials work. These shared resources are critical for maintaining National Institutes of Health-funded projects and fostering collaboration with institutions like the Salk Institute.

Notable scientific contributions

Scientists affiliated with the center have made several landmark discoveries. Researchers achieved early milestones in differentiating human embryonic stem cells into motor neurons and blood cells. Pioneering work on induced pluripotent stem cells has led to novel models for diseases like Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clinical translation efforts have advanced CAR-T cell therapy for leukemia and trials using stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium for macular degeneration. These contributions are frequently published in journals like ''Cell Stem Cell'' and ''Nature Biotechnology''.

Leadership and organization

The center is directed by Thomas Rando, a renowned expert in stem cell biology and muscle regeneration. It operates under the executive oversight of the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the UCLA Vice Chancellor for Research. Scientific direction is guided by an internal steering committee comprising faculty from various departments, including molecular biology and bioengineering. The center also benefits from the counsel of an external advisory board featuring leaders from Stanford University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Funding and partnerships

Primary funding stems from competitive grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Significant support also comes from private foundations, including the Broad Foundation and the W. M. Keck Foundation. Strategic partnerships are maintained with Amgen, Kite Pharma, and other biotechnology firms for therapeutic development. The center also collaborates extensively with the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute to move discoveries from the laboratory to clinical trials at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

Category:University of California, Los Angeles Category:Medical and health organizations based in California Category:Stem cell research