The biology of embryonic stem (ES) cells presents opportunities for basic human biology in a way pertinent to many aspects of medicine (e.g. the causes of birth defects, or the development of serious disease such as cancer), as well as for applications in drug discovery and toxicology, and eventually in regenerative medicine.

At the same time, working with these cells poses many challenges, while relative few researchers have specific experience in the area. Human ES cells present many problems compared with their murine counterparts, which have been available for much longer. Maintenance of good quality cultures that retain phenotypic and genetic stability is difficult, but a range of techniques are now well established and rapid progress is beginning in the development of defined culture conditions and methods for both preventing and promoting ES differentiation.
Techniques for genetic manipulation are also appearing. Future research depends upon practitioners having training in current techniques for maintaining and monitoring these cells, while also having a good grasp of the underlying concepts of stem cell self renewal, and commitment to differentiation.

The Centre for Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) at the University of Sheffield has extensive experience in working with human ES cells and embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, their malignant counterparts from teratocarcinomas. Researchers at the CSCB have now derived 7 human ES cell lines. In addition they maintain cultures of several other lines derived elsewhere, as well as a number of human EC cell lines, all of which are used in a number of research programs aimed at understanding the control of self renewal and differentiation of human stem cells.

The deadline for applications is 9th June 2006

The application should contain a brief CV, a statement about current research, a research abstract and a short justification of interest in the course. Please prepare these documents before going to REGISTRATION FORM.

This course is supported by EMBO and as such there is no fee to attend and accommodation and meals are provided. Selected participants will have to arrange their own travel costs, and any additional nights accommodation.