UCSF receives funding for building from California stem c...(types. At the same time scientists s...),Health

At the same time, scientists studying specific signaling molecules, as opposed to particular diseases, will be strategically based, in some cases, next to scientists who are studying particular diseases. Those studying the molecule sonic hedgehog, which is involved in the specialization of neural stem cells, for instance, will be located near scientists interested in treating brain diseases.

It presents a wonderful opportunity for us to make headway, says Kriegstein, a neurologist who treats patients with brain diseases, such as Parkinsons disease, but is also seeking novel stem cell-based therapies for these illnesses.

The building will be located near UCSF Medical Center, which will support the long-term goal of translating basic research findings to clinical trials, he says. Being near existing clinical services will be a great benefit.

As stipulated by the CIRM grant, groundbreaking for the building, which has 46,283 assignable square feet and has four split-level floors, is scheduled for mid 2008, with completion of the project in mid 2010.

The major facilities grants are the fifth round of funding issued by CIRM since 2006. UCSF has been a top recipient of these previous grants, which are supporting the training of the next generation of stem cell scientists, research studies and smaller scale facilities projects.

This latest round of funding, says Kriegstein, will drive the capacity for the research to a new level.

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