International Course on Stem Cell Biology

The greek titan, Prometheus, is a fitting symbol for regenerative medicine. As punishment for giving fire to Humankind, Zeus ordered Prometheus chained to a rock and sent an eagle to eat his liver each day. However, Prometheus’ liver was able to regenerate itself daily, enabling him to survive. The researchers of today hope to make the legendary concept of regeneration real by developing therapies to restore lost, damaged or aging cells and tissues in the human body. Yet, stem-cell research, more than virtually any other scientific field, has been mired in political, ethical or even medical controversy.

   The present course, organized due to the collaboration between two of the most important medical institutions in Romania, the ”Prof Dr Ion Chiricuta” Oncology Institute and the ”Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, covers every single aspect of stem cell research. Embryonic stem cells are prezented Dr. Emöke Pall, the first scientist to differentiate stem cells to cardiomyocytes in Cluj Napoca, and mesenchymal stem cells are prezented by Dr. Olga Soritau, highly experienced in laboratory medicine. Another source of ethically conducive, easilly accessible and high-yielding source of stem cells is the human placenta, prezented by Dr. Sergiu Susman, Dr. Dan Rus Ciuca and by Assistant Professor Carmen Mihu. The course also covers the aspect of stem-cell radiobiology, prezented by Ciprian Tomuleasa, a 4th year medical student involved in stem cell research, and last but definetely not least the aspect of cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells, believed to be responsible for the failure of various treatment plans in oncology, are prezented by Professor Nicolae Ghilezan and by Associate Professor Gabriel Kacso, well-known and appreciated romanian oncologists.

  Embryonic Stem Cells

   Embryonic stem cells and cardiomyocyte differentiation

   Emöke Pall, M.D., Ph.D.

   Osteoblast differentiation

   Olga Soriţău, M.D.

  Fetal Stem Cells

   Introduction in placental stem cell biology

   Sergiu Şuşman, M.D.,  Carmen Mihu, M.D., Ph.D.

   Isolation, genetic and molecular characterization

   Dan Rus Ciucă, M.D.

  Adult Stem Cells

   Mesenchymal stem cell applications in current medical pathology

   Olga Soriţău, M.D.,  Ciprian Tomuleasa, student

   Immunocytochemical characterization and adult stem cell differentiation

   Olga Soriţău, M.D.

   Stem cell radiobiology

   Ciprian Tomuleasa,student,  Vasile Foris, student,  Olga Soriţău, M.D.

  Cancer Stem Cells

   The impact of stem cells in oncology

   Nicolae Ghilezan, M.D., Ph.D.,  Gabriel Kacsó, M.D., Ph.D.,  Valentin  Cernea, M.D., Ph.D.,

  Viorica Nagy, M.D., Ph.D.