Stem Cell and Transplantation Biology

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - Overall The theme of this CCEH is focused on stem cell and transplantation biology. The aims are designed to overcome obstacles that prevent new investigators from joining this field. Specifically the four cores will provide investigators access to: Large numbers of human and canine stem/progenitor cells; Scalable viral production services for AAV, gamma-, lenti- and foamy viruses; Products for precision gene editing and functional genetic manipulation; PCR assays for tracking chimerism, and insertion sites; Xenografting to assess human hematopoiesis; Large animal model for preclinical in vivo testing and disease modeling. The major goal of this CCEH is to make these services available throughout the US. For this purpose, products and services must be cost- effective and of high quality. Also training in best practices for the use of these resources is imperative. Towards this goal core staff provide on-site training: funds to support travel to attend training sessions are available. In addition, standard operating procedures (SOP) and quality control measures (QC) for all processes and products are shared on our website where they can be discussed and amended as the science evolves. The logistics of distributing products throughout the country are challenging. However, since the first iteration of this grant (P30 DK056465) in 1999 we have successfully shipped highly purified CD34 cells in liquid nitrogen to hundreds of satisfied investigators. Our costs are generally less than 1/3 of the cheapest commercial vender, and our product is better. Logistics for shipping other biological products to out of state users are already in place. The fees for service charged by this CCEH generates program income of $1-2 million per year. These funds are used to increase staff, develop new technologies and to fund the Enrichment Program. The goal is to help build a strong, diverse, interactive hematology research community. Included in this effort is a research internship program for students from underrepresented or underserved populations. The Seattle CCEH research base consists of 25 faculty members at the University of Washington and/or the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Currently our research base brings in $17,130,946 in direct costs per year for studies in non-malignant hematopoiesis.