ESTOOLS - Platforms for biomedical discovery with human ES cells (Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health) (2006-07-26 - 2010-07-25) (»add to infobox)

The pluripotent nature of human embryonic stem (hES) cells presents unprecedented opportunities for studying human cellular differentiation and pathogenesis. Furthermore, hES cells offer a new resource for cellular transplantation in human degenerative disease and a powerful platform for pharmaceutical and toxicology screening. The promise of hES cells rests largely on achieving two things: (i) unlimited expansion in stem cell numbers without genetic or epigenetic compromise; (ii) directing differentiation with absolute phenotypic fidelity. Delivery of these twin objectives entails full understanding of the mechanisms that control the choices between proliferation and self renewal on the one hand, and apoptosis and commitment to differentiation on the other. Genetic intervention will be a central tool in delineating the molecular circuitry of hES cells. The goal of ESTOOLS is to develop and implement the necessary tools to elucidate the genetic and molecular networks that control the self renewal, commitment and terminal differentiation of hES cells. Neural commitment provides a paradigm for understanding the mechanisms by which ES cells choose between self renewal and lineage commitment. Furthermore, neuronal and glial differentiation of hES cells offer major new experimental avenues for cellular neurobiology and pathogenesis, with the potential for application in pharmaceutical and toxicological screening and cell replacement therapies. ESTOOLS draws together a team of high quality researchers with complementary expertise in mouse ES cell systems, human ES cell culture, epigenetics, neurodevelopment, and a range of genetic modification technologies. ESTOOLS will create a range of training opportunities and dissemination vehicles to transfer knowledge and experience within the European Research Area.

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