Download a PDF copy of this content

Pluripotency and Reprogramming

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and more recently, adult somatic cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent stem cell state (iPSC), have transformed our capacity to probe human development and the origins of disease, and have revolutionised prospects for regenerative medicine and cell replacement in the body. 
A culture of human embryonic stem cells showing expression of an early marker of neuronal development (Martin Pera)
This program will use cutting edge nanobioreactor and microfluid platforms for high-throughput exploration of factors that influence growth of human hESC and iPSC. In addition, many of the technologies developed in this program will provide common platforms for integration into the Research Program of Stem Cells Australia as a whole. 

This program aims to answer key biological questions:
  1. Understand how to assess and ensure the quality of cellular reprogramming: the process of converting adult cells back into the embryonic state.
  2. Discover novel networks controlling pluripotency and self-renewal.
  3. Generate functional, specialised cells from pluripotent stem cells (cardiac, neural and blood lineages).
This program is led by Professor Peter Gray and Associate Professor Jose Polo and includes a multidisciplinary team of scientists from University of Melbourne, University of Queensland and Monash University.