Sometimes called the body's "repair kit," stem cells could be used to replace damaged tissue, regenerate organs, or stop disease before it starts. They might also lead to new treatments or cures for such afflictions as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. But first we must learn more about them and how to direct their development.

Stanford, a longtime leader in stem cell research, was the first institution to identify and isolate adult blood-forming stem cells and successfully translate stem cell research discoveries into patient clinical trials. Transplants at Stanford Medical Center are used to restore healthy blood cell development in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and inherited blood disorders. Researchers are also investigating the use of blood-forming stem cells to cure autoimmune diseases, with promising early results.

Investigators at the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine have already identified stem cells in the brain, muscle, blood, and other tissues. They are now closing in on stem cells used to form the lung, skin, liver, pancreas, and peripheral nervous system. They have also made discoveries about cancer stem cells that should lead to more effective cancer therapies.

Imaging: Stanford scientists are imaging stem cells from the scale of their DNA up to how they behave in a live being. Sophisticated imaging technology being developed at Stanford will also help answer such crucial questions as how stem cells can be used to target the site of an injury or disease.

Invention: Many advances in stem cell research have only been possible thanks to devices developed at Stanford. These include the fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) that can isolate cells rapidly and accurately. The institute is also working to produce new stem cell lines from diseased tissues. These lines can be used to search for new treatments to intractable diseases.

Integration: Researchers at the Stem Cell Institute are working with colleagues around the campus to pinpoint genetic factors associated with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, and heart and neurological disorders. Findings may lead to patient and disease-specific stem cells that target disease or avoid transplant rejection.