Although pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, may potentially provide an unlimited source of HSC to overcome this problem, the translational and therapeutic value of pluripotent stem cells is completely dependent on their reliable and efficient differentiation into specific cell
lineages.
This program aims to define the cell-intrinsic pathways and extrinsic parameters for the effective conversion of human pluripotent stem cells into select blood tissue lineages. The program will exploit gene-targeted markers, small molecule screens, bioengineering platforms and bioinformatics to deliver its research objectives. Led by
Professor Doug Hilton and
Professor Melissa Little, this research program includes leading stem cell scientists from WEHI, University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, Monash University and CSIRO.