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Cancer Stem Cell Biology Center of Economic Excellence
University collaborators: Medical University of South Carolina (fiscal agent) Clemson University (collaborative partner) About the CoEE: The CoEE in Cancer Stem Cell Biology focuses on developing new technologies for isolating, growing, and manipulating cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are adult stem cells that have the ability to reproduce themselves and develop into cancer. The CoEE will also find ways to use adult stem cells from bone marrow or organs to treat cancer. The work of this CoEE will generate further understanding of cancer stem cells and ways to eradicate them without harming healthy cells. It could also lead to the engineering of healthy adult stem cells that can replace cancerous cells in the body. In its work, the CoEE will seek to add a repository of adult cancer stem cells to the Health Sciences South Carolina tissue repository for use in further research across South Carolina. Another objective of the CoEE is to use novel treatments, such as carbon nanotubes, to inhibit the growth of cancer stem cells. Senior CoEE Personnel Dr. Bryan Toole and MUSC Pediatrics Professor Dr. Bernard Maria are studying the use of hyaluronan, a compound that resides on the surface of cancer stem-like cells, as a treatment for glioblastoma tumors. Hyaluronan, along with two other substances, regulates the activities of cancer stem-like cells. They are developing strategies towards a human clinical trial. To date, the CoEE has received more than $1 million in federal research funding. Funding level: CoEE Endowed Chair:
Dr. Zihai Li's Lab Home Page on the MUSC website.
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