Dr. Jane Lebkowski, executive vice president and chief scientific officer at Geron Corporation, gave the keynote address for the 2011 CIRM Bridges Trainee Meeting. Last year, Geron began the first clinical trial in the world using human embryonic stem cells. CIRM recently approved a million loan to Geron to assist in this trial. The embryonic stem cells used in the trial are being tested as a potential therapy for spinal cord injury. Lebkowski reviewed the work leading up to the trial and gave the latest update on its progress. Lebkowski was introduced by Art Torres, vice chair of the CIRM Governing Board, and Pat Olson, executive director of CIRM scientific activities.

One hallmark of embryonic stem cells is that they cause a particular type of tumor called a teratoma. Stem cell researchers must learn how to prevent these tumors before any transplantation-based therapy can be successful. Paul Knoepfler has a CIRM grant to study how and why the cells form tumors and to help understand ways of preventing those tumors from forming. He is an assistant professor of cell biology and human anatomy at the UC, Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures and is associated with the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine at Shriner’s Hospital for Children Northern California.