Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research
 Scientists at the Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research are investigating everything from basic stem cell biology to the development of new therapies. |
The Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research is one of the leading centres in Canada working to advance regenerative medicine. It is led by Dr. Michael Rudnicki, a world-renowned muscle stem cell biologist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). It is also closely affiliated with the OHRI's Regenerative Medicine Program and with the University of Ottawa and it serves as headquarters for Canada's Stem Cell Network (which is also led by Dr. Rudnicki). With state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, the Sprott Centre provides an important hub for a large stem cell research community in Ottawa.
The Sprott Centre has led the world in a number of areas by bringing top stem cell biologists together with the innovative clinicians who can help translate results from the bench to the bedside. Our researchers are making crucial discoveries about how stem cells function at the genetic level, while also making exciting progress in developing new therapies for heart disease, muscle disease, multiple sclerosis, vision loss, diabetes and brain and spinal cord injury. The following scientists hold appointments at the Sprott Centre:
- Dr. Michael Rudnicki is the Director of the Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research. Dr. Rudnicki led the team that first discovered adult muscle stem cells and he continues to make ground-breaking discoveries about how these cells are controlled.
- Dr. Harry Atkins is the Medical Director of the Sprott Centre and a bone marrow transplant specialist. His clinical trial of an experimental stem cell transplant therapy for multiple sclerosis has inspired hope around the world. He is also involved in clinical trials that aim to mobilize bone marrow stem cells to aid recovery of stroke and heart attack patients.
- Dr. David Allan is also a bone marrow transplant specialist. He is working to define the regenerative potential of bone marrow stem cells at the molecular level and he is also involved in several clinical trials.
- Dr. Marjorie Brand dissects the components of protein complexes to understand the function of the molecular machines that regulate stem cell function. The lab is using proteomics and genomics methodologies and has a particular interest in blood stem cells.
- Dr. David Courtman is involved in developing genetically engineered stem and progenitor cells as regenerative therapies for cardiopulmonary diseases. He is also investigating novel regenerative biomaterials.
- Dr. Jeffrey Dilworth is studying how genes can be regulated by modifying the way DNA is packaged inside the cell. He hopes to refine techniques for regulating gene expression in stem cells.
- Dr. Lynn Megeney is investigating how programmed cell death proteins are also involved in stem cell development. He is also developing small molecule compounds to stimulate the regeneration of cardiac muscle tissue.
- Dr. Carolina Perez-Iratxeta is an expert in bioinformatics, with a focus on aligning protein sequences and identifying candidate disease genes.
- Dr. Theodore Perkins is an expert in bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematical biology and machine learning. He is applying these skills to understand stem cell development and other biological processes.
- Dr. Fraser Scott is an expert in diabetes. He is investigating how regenerative structures in the pancreas might play a role in modifying the course of this disease.
- Dr. Duncan Stewart is a cardiologist who has developed several novel cell and gene therapies for cardiovascular disease and also initiated Canada's first clinical trials in this area.
- Dr. Eve Tsai is a spinal cord surgeon working to develop novel spinal cord repair strategies and imaging technologies.
- Dr. Cathy Tsilfidis is investigating the regenerative abilities of newts, to provide insight into new approaches to boost human regenerative capacity.
- Dr. Kursad Turksen is focusing on the study of skin stem cells for potential use in burn patients and for the treatment of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes.
- Dr. Valerie Wallace is studying the molecular pathways that control the development of the eye. Understanding these pathways will be crucial in developing regenerative therapies for various eye diseases.
