Success stories: research breakthroughs thanks to StemCore

StemCore is proud to have played a role in many key discoveries at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa. Selected success stories are profiled below.

‘Stroke in a dish’ reveals new recipe for brain repair ‘Stroke in a dish’ reveals new recipe for brain repair
October 18, 2024 - Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa have found a new way to create neurons – a discovery that could be a major step forward in developing treatments for stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Lab discovery suggests possible new approach for treating progressive multiple sclerosis Lab discovery suggests possible new approach for treating progressive multiple sclerosis
July 26, 2024 - A new study from The Ottawa Hospital and uOttawa shows that a microRNA molecule called miR-145-5p could be key to developing new treatments for progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
Study reveals molecular reason why arteries harden with age Study reveals molecular reason why arteries harden with age
May 14, 2024 - “These cells could help us uncover potential drugs to prevent or treat cardiovascular diseases by targeting these molecular changes."
Which cells have the greatest potential to repair the lungs of pre-term babies? Which cells have the greatest potential to repair the lungs of pre-term babies?
April 23, 2024 - Dr. Bernard Thébaud and his team have uncovered which types of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are the best at healing lung injury in the lab.
Engineered lung tissue model reveals possible new treatment for lymphangioleiomyomatosis Engineered lung tissue model reveals possible new treatment for lymphangioleiomyomatosis
July 12, 2023 - A research team led by Dr. Bill Stanford has discovered a new class of drugs that may be effective in treating lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). This rare disease is characterized by abnormal cell growth in the lungs which can lead to severe breathing
Novel stem cell drives ‘remarkable’ regeneration of tiny blood vessels in the lung Novel stem cell drives ‘remarkable’ regeneration of tiny blood vessels in the lung
May 15, 2023 - Dr. Duncan Stewart’s team has identified a novel stem cell with a remarkable ability to regenerate and repair the tiny blood vessels in the lungs.
Prenatal exposure to low doses of methylmercury causes autism-like behaviors in mice Prenatal exposure to low doses of methylmercury causes autism-like behaviors in mice
March 9, 2023 - A study co-led by Dr. Jing Wang and Dr. Laurie Chan is the first to show that exposing pregnant mice to low doses of methylmercury causes autism-like behaviors in their offspring.
Study could lead to new treatments for pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure Study could lead to new treatments for pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure
February 28, 2023 - The human heart has a remarkable ability to adapt and compensate in the face of injury and disease, but unfortunately this isn’t universal.
Tweaking the ovary’s immune system may help prevent ovarian cancer Tweaking the ovary’s immune system may help prevent ovarian cancer
October 5, 2022 - The diabetes drug metformin prevents fibrosis in the ovaries by adjusting the organ’s immune cells, according to a study in mice published in Science Advances.
Research reveals novel mechanism controlling muscle stem cells Research reveals novel mechanism controlling muscle stem cells
October 5, 2022 - New research from Dr. Michael Rudnicki’s team shows for the first time that a cellular structure called a primary cilium, which functions somewhat like an antenna, plays a crucial role in priming muscle stem cells for repair and regeneration.

2022

8/4/2022 12:00:00 AM - Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound, awakens stem cells to repair damaged muscle
7/21/2022 12:00:00 AM - Lab-grown “mini-kidneys” unlock secrets of a rare disease

2021

10/6/2021 12:00:00 AM - MicroRNA protects mice from acute kidney injury
8/17/2021 12:00:00 AM - 50 ways to repair an ovary? Study suggests multiple pathways can create stem-like ovarian cells
6/2/2021 12:00:00 AM - Research unravels links between fasting, lifespan and muscle stem cells
5/12/2021 12:00:00 AM - Stem cells go ‘all in’ to repair damaged muscles
1/27/2021 12:00:00 AM - Studying sex differences in kidney disease could open door to developing new treatments

2020

6/8/2020 12:00:00 AM - Using lab-grown human tissues to identify possible treatments
5/8/2020 12:00:00 AM - COVID-19 research moving at ‘lightning speed’, thanks to generous community support
4/29/2020 12:00:00 AM - Researchers and research staff honoured for outstanding work in cancer clinical trials, emergency medicine, cell sorting and tissue collection

2019

10/22/2019 12:00:00 AM - How does a stem cell know what to be when it grows up?
10/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - “Wild idea” opens possible new frontier for preventing ovarian cancer
10/2/2019 12:00:00 AM - Researchers reveal the circuitry regulating muscle stem cell function
9/25/2019 12:00:00 AM - Unravelling the mystery of how one gene contributes to Parkinson’s, Crohn’s and leprosy
5/17/2019 12:00:00 AM - $950,000 to help develop stem cell treatments for septic shock, lung injury and muscle degeneration
5/1/2019 12:00:00 AM - Precision medicine approach for leukemia awarded $1.5M
1/31/2019 12:00:00 AM - Discovery points to innovative new way to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy

2018

10/22/2018 12:00:00 AM - New drug combination destroys chemo-resistant blood cancer
9/10/2018 12:00:00 AM - Often-overlooked Natural Killer cells may be key to cancer immunotherapy
9/6/2018 12:00:00 AM - How does type 1 diabetes start? New research implicates early metabolic defects in the pancreas
7/20/2018 12:00:00 AM - $1.7 million to advance research on colon cancer, brain development, kidney disease and severe fluid loss
7/11/2018 12:00:00 AM - Estrogen and ovarian cancer: study provides first molecular link
7/11/2018 12:00:00 AM - Researchers uncover possible new mechanism to enhance cancer-killing viruses

2016

10/11/2016 12:00:00 AM - $2-million project aims to bring personalized medicine to lung cancer care