Stan Gronthos
Medicine
University of Adelaide
Australia
Biography
The focus of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Laboratory is to investigate the origin and biological properties of different postnatal mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) populations, that give rise to supportive connective tissues such as myelosupportive stroma, adipose tissue, smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, bone, cartilage, ligament, cementum and dentin. Our work seeks to identify critical genes and epigenetic factors that regulate MSC self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. In addition, research efforts have focused on identifying the factors central to MSC mediated regulation of haematopiesis, angiogenesis and immune cell modulation. Importantly, many of these molecular processes are considered underlying causes of chronic diseases and tumour cell development. Together with Prof. Andrew Zannettino and our commercial partner (Mesoblast Ltd), our basic research activities have progressed into Phase II/III human clinical trails for orthopaedic, cardiovascular, cancer and immune based indications. Our continuing research into the basic properties of MSC will help develop more effective and safer stem cell based therapeutic options in the future for a wide variety of clinical diseases and conditions.
Research Interest
Medicine,Medical Education,Research,etc
