Stem cells in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
Applications in the regrowth, repair, and replacement of damaged or diseased cells, organs or tissues
November 30 at 1:30 PM in MEC 106
About the Presentation
The presentation will focus on the fundamental basis for the use of stem cells in applications related to regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. We will discuss the architectural and trophic functions of stem cells, as well as mechanisms and therapeutics related to epigenetic enzymes that control DNA accessibility to modulate stem cell growth, differentiation and function.
Andre van Wijnen, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Biochemistry
University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Based on formal training in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biomedical sciences, Andre van Wijnen has pursued fundamental biological questions related to cell growth, differentiation, and function in multiple physiological and pathological contexts, including skeletal development, bone formation, orthopedic disorders, and cancer.
During his research training in cancer biology, he examined molecular mechanisms that control histone gene transcription during the cell cycle with the long-term goal of discovering new targets for anti-cancer therapeutics. He actively participated in the discovery and characterization of key transcription factors (e.g., Runx2, Dlx5) that control osteoblast growth and differentiation via epigenetic chromatin-related mechanism. Subsequently, he pioneered studies on the developmental roles of epigenetic regulators during skeletogenesis and osteoblastic differentiation.
Most recently, he has pursued patient-oriented translational research projects that focus on joint health and function, as well as renal and neural disorders in collaboration with many different clinicians. He addresses biological and mechanistic questions fundamental to musculoskeletal regenerative medicine, including stem cell lineage-commitment and progression, trophic functions in tissue repair and regeneration, as well as regulation of normal development and degeneration in bone, cartilage, ligament & tendon tissues.
Published work applied state-of-the-art approaches including epigenomics transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, glycomics, mouse genetics, and microscopy to investigate address epigenetics, microRNAs, gene regulation, and cell signaling. Currently, he has an H-factor of >105 and authored >650 PubMed papers that have been collectively cited >45,000 times. He has thoughtfully mentored or co-mentored >100 trainees, students, post-doctoral associates, and clinical fellows, and has an extensive record of service as editor and grant panelist.