Regeneration of hypothalamic neuro-architecture using liver enzyme gene transfer as an approach to treat post-dieting body weight rebound

The major challenge in treating obesity is not just losing weight, but preventing weight from coming back. This proposal examines a new treatment strategy of using a gene transfer therapy to safely target brain mechanisms that control hunger and energy output. The investigator’s previous research indicates that gene transfer of a well-tolerated liver enzyme could revolutionize clinical treatment of obesity, making it easier for obese patients to lose weight safely and minimize later weight gain.

Mayo Clinic
Ping Chen, PhD

Establishing an integrated undergraduate biomedical laboratory curriculum and research environment at Bemidji State University

Establishes a two-semester techniques laboratory that will train students in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology techniques including cell culture and stem cell biology.  This course will be an integral part of a new Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Major, and prepare students for research experiences both as part of their senior capstone experience and participation in research outside the curriculum.

Bemidji State University
Mark Wallert, PhD
2017-2018

Medical Student Summer Research Program in Regenerative Medicine - Pre-T35

The goal of this program to give first-year medical students exposure and experience in regenerative medicine laboratory research. This program serves to generate preliminary data prior to a submission of an NIH T‐35 proposal (due January 2018). Students will followed over time to determine if students pursue research during later training as a result of this program.

University of Minnesota
Troy C. Lund, MD, PhD
2017-2018

Community-Based Science Module, Bois Forte

Innovators of the Future, Bois Forte will provide for a year‐round community based program for 3rd‐6th grade Native American children at Bois Forte Reservation. Program activities will include science, math, regenerative medicine, biomedical research careers, Native American culture, and health and wellness. Project goals will be to improve confidence and comfort regarding science and math and increase awareness of advanced education and careers in biomedical science and research using a culturally relevant curriculum.

Bois Forte Indian Reservation
Anna Wirta Kosobuska, PhD
2017-2018

Advancing Regenerative Medicine Through Educating Minnesota K-8 Educators

Our goal is to educate Minnesota youth about the elementary building blocks of regenerative sciences. To achieve this goal, we expanded the 2016 pilot K-8 curriculum to additional classrooms in southeast Minnesota by building a sustainable partnership with the regional school system and the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine.

Mayo Clinic
Jilian L. Foxen
2017-2018

Molecular farming to reduce cost of recombinant proteins important to regenerative medicine

After completing "proof of concept" experiments that produced human proteins in tobacco plants and acquiring a new lab facility, we seek to upscale the production of proteins required for regenerative medicine research and tissue engineering studies using molecular farming methods. The goal is to reduce the cost of protein products.  Future goals are to build a lab to GMP standards to make potentially cheaper therapeutics.

MNPHARM
James Thompson, PhD
2017-2018

AmnioStent - Combining nitinol scaffold with amnion tissue to create a novel airway stent technology for tracheobronchial applications

Peytant Solutions is developing a human amnion tissue cover scaffold, called the AmnioStent™, for the treatment of malignant airway strictures.  The goal of this grant is to conduct sterilization and biocompatibility validation testing of AmnioStent per the FDA Guidance for Premarket Notifications of Esophageal and Tracheal Prostheses and preparation of the FDA 510k application.

Peytant Solutions, Inc.
John Schorgl, BA
2017-2018