Oregon Health & Science University
3303 SW Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 418-0196
www.ohsu.edu
The Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy at Oregon Health & Science University is a pioneer of the technique to produce rejection-proof, genetically matched embryonic human stem cells from skin cells using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The program connects basic cell science, translational research and clinical testing in a virtuous cycle of discovery and innovation. Research performed at the center aims to keep people healthier as they age, restore mobility for patients with Parkinson’s disease or spinal injuries, and stop familial diseases before they affect a new generation.
Established: 2013
Director: Shoukhrat Mitalipov, PhD
Dr. Mitalipov and his team are credited with a new process for creating human stem cells from skin cells. The process, referred to as SCNT (Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer), removes chromosomes from a human donor’s unfertilized egg and replaces them with new DNA from a patient’s skin cells. The discovery was named a top 10 scientific breakthrough of 2013.