Bio 44: Stem Cells and Brain Repair is taught in Winter Quarter by Professors Mathew Blurton-Jones and Sunil Gandhi.
Dr. Blurton-Jones
Dr. Gandhi
Overlaps with BIO SCI N172.
Course Objective:
This course will introduce students to the latest research on neural stem cells. We will examine both basic discoveries about neural stem cells and how these cells might be used to treat brain disorders. We will also discuss how new neurons are naturally generated in the brain. The goal is to clarify the opportunities and pitfalls for the most promising stem cell approaches to brain repair. The course will be relevant to those interested in this exciting new field of medical research as well as those concerned with the distinctive ethical and regulatory implications of regenerative medicine.
Sample Syllabus:
| 1 | Course Overview |
| 2 | A Quick Tour of the Brain |
| 3 | Critical Periods of Brain Development |
| 4 | Rewiring the Adult Brain |
| 5 | Neurogenesis in the Adult Brain |
| 6 | Stress and Neurogenesis |
| 7 | No Class – MLK Jr. Holiday |
| 8 | Exercise and Neurogenesis |
| 9 | Cell Suicide |
| 10 | Autism |
| 11 | Retinal Repair |
| 12 | Midterm Review |
| 13 | MIDTERM EXAM |
| 14 | TA Guest Lecture |
| 15 | Brain Cell Replacement Strategies |
| 16 | Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells |
| 17 | Alzheimer’s Disease |
| 18 | Differentiation of Brain Cells |
| 19 | No Class – President’s Day Holiday |
| 20 | ALS and SMA |
| 21 | Cellular Optical Brain Interfaces |
| 22 | Parkinson’s Disease |
| 23 | Delivery Technology |
| 24 | Rare Pediatric Disorders |
| 25 | Immune Rejection |
| 26 | Successes/Caveats or Clinical Translation |
| 27 | Ethics and Regulation of Stem Cell Research |
| 28 | The Stem Cell Research Investment Challenge |
| 29 | Lab Tour (Meet at Gross Hall) |
| 30 | Review |
| 31 | FINAL |