Generating human neural stem and progenitor cells in a porcine model through blastocyst complementation

Grant Project Details:

Awardee:
Ann M. Parr, MD, PhD
Timeframe:
2016-2018
Location:
University of Minnesota: Department of Neurosurgery | Minneapolis, MN
Amount:
$250,000
Status:
Complete
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Grant Location

University of Minnesota: Department of Neurosurgery
2001 6th Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Grant Description

Porcine blastocyst complementation utilizing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is a potentially transformative approach that could generate whole organs, specific tissues, or discrete cell populations to be harvested for clinical use. Here we propose to utilize interspecies complementation by injecting hPSCs into porcine blastocysts engineered to lack specific endogenous tissues.  The main goal of this project is to generate human neural stem cells and their progeny utilizing this novel approach.

Grant Awardee Biography

image of Ann M. Parr, MD, PhD

Dr. Parr is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery and the Director of Spinal Neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota.