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Course module: BMB509013
BMB509013
Introduction to Stem Cells
Course info
Course codeBMB509013
EC1.5
Course goals
After this course the student will:
  1. be introduced in the fundamental principles of stem cell biology;
  2. have insight in the various scientific methods, technologies and approaches to using stem cells to study normal human development and disease progression;
  3. will have a view on how to translate stem cell biology into potential clinical application and therapies.
Content
Period (from – till):  8 January 2018 - 12 January 2018

Faculty
Koen Braat, Cell Biology, UMC Utrecht, Course Director
Paul Coffer, Cell Biology, UMC Utrecht, Course Director
Niels Geijsen, Hubrecht Laboratory, Course Director
Geijsen, organizer theme day
Robin, organizer theme day
Van Rooij, organizer 0.5 theme day
Gawlitta, organizer 0.5 theme day
Middendorp, organizer theme day and “closing” seminar
 
Description of content
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

Stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of inactivity. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions. In some organs, such as the gut and bone marrow, stem cells regularly divide to repair and replace worn out or damaged tissues. In other organs, however, such as the pancreas and the heart, stem cells only divide under special conditions. Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells offer new potentials for treating disease.

This 5-day course will address both fundamental mechanisms regulating stem cell function as well as considerations concerning the use of stem cell therapies in the clinic.

Literature/study material used:
Primary literature to be provided by course directors and guest speakers

Registration
CS&D website: www.CSnD.nl/courses/

Mandatory for students in Master’s programme
N.A.

Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
Yes. Registrations from Master and PhD students of the CSDB and RMT programs will be considered first
 
Prerequisite knowledge
Bsc BMW / Biology knowledge of molecular and cellular biology; interest in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology
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