Stem Cell Symposium to focus on tissue engineering, limb regeneration

Limb regeneration, stem cells, limb development, tissue engineering: These will be the focus of the 10th Annual Wisconsin Stem Cell Symposium on Wednesday, April 22, hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center and the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTCI).

This year, UW–Madison scientists and other American and international researchers will come together at the BTCI campus in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, to present the latest in limb regeneration science.

UW-Madison’s William Murphy, Harvey D. Spangler Professor of Biomedical Engineering, will present his work on skeletal tissue regeneration, while Wan-Ju Li, professor in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at the UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) will discuss his research on stem cells and cartilage development.

Ray Vanderby, UW–Madison professor of biomedical engineering and of orthopedic surgery, and UW–Madison H.W. Mossman Professor Emeritus John Fallon will moderate the event. Opening the symposium will be co-director of the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center and UW–Madison SMPH Professor of Medicine Tim Kamp. The event is titled “Engineering Limb Regeneration: Recapitulating Normal Development and Regeneration?”

Researchers from University College London, New York University School of Medicine, the University of Michigan and several other U.S. academic institutions will give talks throughout the day, and students and postdoctoral researchers will also have an opportunity to present their work.

Among the topics to be highlighted at the event are:

• The history of limb regeneration
• DNA modifications that control limb regeneration
• Musculoskeletal tissue engineering
• Future challenges related to tissue engineering using stem cells

The event starts at 8 a.m., with a continental breakfast and day-of registration beginning at 7 a.m. It runs until 5:10 p.m., with a reception until 6. Attendees can register in advance online or in person that day, at a cost of $50 for students and postdocs and $100 for all others. The event also includes lunch.

Major sponsors include WiCell Research Institute, Perkins Coie, Madison Area Technical College, and Promega. A full list can be found at BTCI’s website.