The CIRM is actively involved in promoting research collaborations. Several members of the CSU CIRM are currently involved in collaborative studies with researchers at the Gates Center for Stem Cell Biology at the University of Colorado Denver, including a new project to generate induced pluripotent stem cells for treatment of canine chronic hepatitis. In addition, stem cell researchers in the EORC are collaborating with investigators at Duke University to enhance transfection of stem cells for improved function in equine joint diseases. A number of investigators in the CIRM also collaborate with corporate sponsors, including pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers, and additional corporate collaborations are actively encouraged.

One of the unique strengths of the CIRM at CSU is the opportunity to rapidly translate basic science discoveries to clinical application in animal models of disease. The close connection between the CIRM and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital assures access to unique spontaneous animal models for human diseases. These spontaneous animal models of human disease include joint disease (horses and dogs), chronic kidney disease and asthma (cats), bone cancer and bone healing (dogs), degenerative heart valve disease (dogs), spinal cord injury (dogs), and spontaneous cancers (dogs). Thus, the existing connections between clinician researchers and basic scientists can quickly lead to clinical studies with significant relevance to human therapeutics. Several current studies in translational stem cell therapy in cats (chronic kidney disease, asthma) and dogs (chronic liver disease) are being supported by the Applied Regenerative Medicine Program funded by the Shipley Foundation.

Questions about collaboration opportunities? Get in touch with CIRM at cvmbs-cirm@colostate.edu.