Trans-NIDDK Strategic Planning: Stem Cells and Developmental Biology Agenda
September 19, 2000
Bethesda Hyatt Regency Hotel
12 noon--Group convenes
Introductions
Opening Remarks
Allen M. Spiegel, MD, Director, NIDDK
Jeffrey L. Gordon, MD, Discussion Leader
Brief Discussion of Background Material
- Review of current relevant grant listings
- Description of recent initiatives
- Related NIDDK planned initiatives (e.g. trans-NIDDK RFA on stem cells and HL/DK RFA on hematopoietic stem cell plasticity)
- Previous recommendations (stem cell, pancreas, zebrafish, kidney/urology, functional genomic initiatives and resources)
1 p.m.--Scope of Planning Group (topics of interest)
- Identification & isolation of stem cells in selected tissues (state of understanding, including available morphologic, molecular, and clonigenic assays)
- Bone marrow
- Stomach/intestine
- Liver
- Kidney
- Prostate
- Bladder
- Pancreas
- Neuromuscular system
- Bone
- Other
- Stem cell origin
- Genes controlling stem cell division (asymmetric/symmetric) and commitment of progeny to a particular fate
- Properties of immediate committed daughters
- Functional genomics: gene expression profiling; surface markers
- Issues related to niche: interactions with microenvironment that help define 'stemness'
- Normal functions of stem cells in organ of interest: role in morphogenesis; maintaining homeostasis in self-renewing cell populations
- Role in disease pathogenesis
- Stem cells as therapeutic targets (see 4)
2 p.m.--Opportunities
- Plasticity
- Transplantation
- Targets for gene therapy; modulation of activity for therapeutic benefit (includes chemo- and radiotherapy)
3 p.m.--Barriers to research
- Lack of molecular markers and clonigenic assays for retrieval and characterization of stem cells and committed lineage progenitors
- Cultural barriers: organizing scientific community across model systems and organ systems
- Other technological or resource needs
Discussion of Committee's work: Presentation of report to NIDDK
- Define state of knowledge and critical scientific needs in area of stem cell research: Should there be a subdivision into working groups that focus on each organ system?
- Provide examples of diseases whose pathogenic mechanisms are believed to involve disruption of normal stem cell functions
- Provide examples of therapeutic interventions or opportunities that do, or could, center on stem cells and/or their immediate committed daughters
- Describe a strategy for supporting new and innovative research on stem cell biology; define scope of resource needs and format for NIDDK/NIH- sponsored research initiative.
- Coordinate report with efforts of the NIDDK committee working on functional genomic and bioinformatics initiatives (Consideration of cross-committee membership and reporting).
Other issues as time permits: Research infrastructure
- Technology development. How to stimulate innovation and risk-taking in the scientific community? Clear NIDDK/NIH definition of intent with this initiative for stem cell research. Definition of scope of research; scope of allocations; available expertise for peer review process
- Bio-informatics: engineering access to deposited searchable databases generated from microarray studies (and ? proteomics); sharing of reagents and model systems (includes providing funds for reagent distribution)
- Interactions with biotechnology and large Pharma.
- Training and manpower
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