Published Tuesday, 15 July, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
STATE SUPPORTS WORLD-FIRST STEM CELL COMPARISON: BLIGH
A world-first comparison of reprogrammed stem cells will be undertaken in Queensland, Premier Anna Bligh told State Parliament today.
In response to a Question in the first day of Estimates Hearings Ms Bligh said that the State would inject $308,000 to the Australian Stem Cell Centre at the University of Queensland.
“This new funding will support the expansion of stem cell research in Queensland.
“It will assist the Centre to develop and manufacture induced stem cell lines and to undertake a world-first comparison of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells,” she said.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells are adult cells that have been reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells.
“This happens without associated ethical issues as there is no need for a supply of human eggs.
“This comparison could well lead to new cellular therapies for chronic diseases.
“The project will be internationally recognised and will considerably increase Queensland’s profile in stem cell research. It will also increase our chances of recruiting international scientists.
“Research from the Australian Stem Cell Centre, which opened in April this year, will help improve the lives of people suffering from degenerative diseases and injury, such as blood-related diseases and kidney disease.
The Queensland Centre builds on the Australian Stem Cell Centre’s decision in June last year to appoint the Queensland-based researcher Professor Melissa Little as its Chief Scientist, collaborating with the best stem cell scientists in Australia and abroad.
The Queensland node’s research will be run in tandem with other significant stem cell research in NSW and Victoria.
“This cooperative approach on stem cell research heralds an exciting spirit of collaboration between the States,” said Ms Bligh.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
In response to a Question in the first day of Estimates Hearings Ms Bligh said that the State would inject $308,000 to the Australian Stem Cell Centre at the University of Queensland.
“This new funding will support the expansion of stem cell research in Queensland.
“It will assist the Centre to develop and manufacture induced stem cell lines and to undertake a world-first comparison of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells,” she said.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells are adult cells that have been reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells.
“This happens without associated ethical issues as there is no need for a supply of human eggs.
“This comparison could well lead to new cellular therapies for chronic diseases.
“The project will be internationally recognised and will considerably increase Queensland’s profile in stem cell research. It will also increase our chances of recruiting international scientists.
“Research from the Australian Stem Cell Centre, which opened in April this year, will help improve the lives of people suffering from degenerative diseases and injury, such as blood-related diseases and kidney disease.
The Queensland Centre builds on the Australian Stem Cell Centre’s decision in June last year to appoint the Queensland-based researcher Professor Melissa Little as its Chief Scientist, collaborating with the best stem cell scientists in Australia and abroad.
The Queensland node’s research will be run in tandem with other significant stem cell research in NSW and Victoria.
“This cooperative approach on stem cell research heralds an exciting spirit of collaboration between the States,” said Ms Bligh.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500