(August 2008) The California Institute
of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded a grant of more than $2 million over
the next five years to UC Davis Health System researcher
Paul S. Knoepfler, who is exploring ways to ensure that certain types of
stem cells can be safely used in medical treatments.
Knoepfler, an assistant professor of
cell biology and human anatomy, will receive one of the institute's New
Faculty awards, which support promising M.D. and Ph.D. scientists in the early stages
of their careers as a way to foster the next generation of California stem cell
scientists. His research proposal, entitled "Molecular Mechanisms Governing
hESC and iPS Cell Self-renewal and Pluripotency," was approved by CIRM's 29-member
governing board during a meeting today on the Stanford University campus.
Knoepfler also holds a position at the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine
at Shriner's Hospital for Children Northern California. He earned his doctorate
in molecular pathology and specializes in stem cell and cancer-related research.
Much of his work has focused on deciphering how stem cells are programmed and how
that programming can go awry, thereby causing birth defects or cancer.