The research grants awarded by the Partnership seek to provide two primary benefits:
- Improve healthcare for Minnesotans by the development of diagnostics and treatments for multiple high-profile diseases.
- Build an enhanced research and development base along with economic benefits for Minnesota through the commercialization of biomedical innovations.
The research teams are awarded the grants for a two-year period and after the teams obtain new sources of long-term funding, often from the National Institutes of Health.
The key areas of progress have been recognized by science and business sectors both nationally and globally. During the past phases of research awards, The Partnership research teams have accomplished much for the people of Minnesota and patients everywhere.
2010-11 Research Awards
Novel Tissue Engineering of Patient-Specific Islet Cells for Diabetes Therapy
Research Team: Jonathan M.W. Slack, Ph.D., F.Med.Sci, University of Minnesota; and Yasuhiro Ikeda, D.V.M., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic
This study proposes using induced pluripotent stem cells, which are similar to embryonic stem cells but can be grown from adult tissues to create insulin-producing cells that can be used for islet transplants. This approach would solve the problems of limited supply and rejection because patients provide their own cells to produce the new islets. If successful, this approach could limit the need for transplants.
Microfluidic Neurotechnology for Neuronal Survival and Regeneration
Research Team: Sang-Hyun Oh, Ph.D., University of Minnesota; and Moses Rodriguez, M.D., Mayo Clinic
The long-term goal is to produce antibodies that can be used to treat multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and even spinal cord injuries and strokes.
Cancer Drug Target Discovery from Genetic Interactions
Research Team: Chad Myers, Ph.D., University of Minnesota; and Dennis Wigle, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic
This project will seek to discover genetic mutation combinations that will target and destroy cancerous cells while leaving noncancerous cells intact. The goal is to eventually create as many as 20 new drug candidates.
Development of Antibodies for the Detection of Topoisomerase I- and Topoisomerase II- DNA complexes
Research Team: Scott Kaufmann, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic; and Daniel Harki, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
This study aims to develop new ways to monitor how a particular therapy is working for a patient by recognizing the effect of the treatment at a genetic level. Researchers will produce antibodies that can assess if DNA stabilization has taken place in tumor cells after drugs have been administered. Success could mean improved treatments for breast, ovarian, lung and colon cancer.
Function of Patient-Specific iPSC-derived Endothelium
Research Team: Robert Simari, M.D., Mayo Clinic; and Dan Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., University of Minnesota
This study will focus on treating vascular disease through the generation of new endothelial cells. Long term, this research could lead to new treatments for heart disease and other vascular disorders.