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Area of Interest:
Investigating the role of stem cells and progenitor cells for development of new cell-based therapies.
Research Interests:
Eric Lagasse, Pharm.D., Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Pathology, and also the Director of the Cancer Stem Cell Center at the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Lagasse research program focuses on two practical aspects of stem cells biology, the use of stem cells and progenitor cells for cell-based therapy for liver diseases and the role of stem cells in cancer etiology.
Identification of human stem/progenitor cells for liver diseases:
The goal of this research is to develop a novel stem cell-based therapy for liver diseases. Our current focus is on the identification of new human stem cells. The specific aims of this research program include:
- Identification, isolation, and characterization of stem/progenitor cells for liver diseases.
- Development of reliable and convenient assays for stem cells.
- In vitro and in vivo expansion of stem cells.
- Development of cell-based therapies for liver diseases.
Identification of cancer stem cells:
The goal of this program is to identify, isolate and characterize Cancer Stem Cell Center in liver, colon, head and neck and ovarian cancers.
The specific aims of this research program include:
- Identification, isolation, and characterization of cancer stem cells.
- Development of specific markers for cancer stem cells.
- Identification of new drug targets to cancer stem cells.
Organogenesis of Ectopic Tissue in Lymph Node:
This project is based on the 2009 NIH Director's Transformative R01 Award and uses a new paradigm here is using lymph nodes as in vivo bioreactors to grow tissue and organ substitute. This approach addresses some of the solutions to the development of complex 3-dimensional organs and will be applied to repair tissue functions in several models of human disease.
Recent Publication (2008-2011)
View Dr. Lagasse's publications on PubMed.
Manohar, R., Komori J., Guzik L., Stolz D. Chandran U.R. LaFramboise W.A. and Lagasse E. (2011). Identification and Expansion of a Unique Stem Cell Population from Adult Mouse Gallbladder. Hepatology. 54:1830-41.
Soto-Gutierrez A., Zhang L., Medberry C., Fukumitsu K., Faulk D., Jiang H., Reing J., Gramignoli R., Komori J., Ross M., Nagaya M., Lagasse E., Stolz D., Strom S.C., Fox I.J., and Badylak S. (2011) A Whole Organ Regenerative Medicine Approach for Liver Replacement. Tissue Engineering Part C. Jun;17(6):677-86. PMID: 21375407.
Hoppo, T., Komori, J. Manohar R., Stolz D.B. and Lagasse E. (2011). Rescue of Lethal hepatic failure by hepatized lymph nodes in mice. Gastroenterology. 140 (2) 656-666.
Chandler J. and Lagasse E. (2010). Cancerous Stem Cells: Deviant Stem Cells with Cancer Causing Misbehavior. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. 1 (2): 13.
Manohar R. and Lagasse E. (2009). Transdetermination: a new trend in cellular reprogramming. Molecular Therapy. 17 (6): 936-938.
Teisanu, R.M., Lagasse E., Whitesides J. and Stripp B. R. (2008). Prospective Isolation of Bronchiolar Stem Cells. Stem Cells. 27(3):612-22.
Odoux C., Fohrer F., Hoppo T., Guzik T., Stolz D.B., Lewis D.W., Gollin S.M., Gamblin T.C., Geller D.A., and Lagasse E. (2008). A Stochastic Model for Cancer Stem Cell Origin. Cancer Research. 68: 6932-41.
Lagasse E. (2008). Cancer Stem Cells with Genetic Instability: The Best Vehicle with the Best Engine for Cancer. Gene Therapy. 15:136-142.
Xiong A., Austin W.T., Lagasse E., Uchida N., Tamaki S., Bordier B., Weissman I.L. Glenn JS and Millan M. Isolation of Human Fetal Liver Progenitors and their Enhanced Proliferation by 3-Dimensional Co-culture with Endothelial Cells. Tissue Eng. (2008). Part A. Apr 23.
Rajasekhar V. K., Dalerba P., Passegué E., Lagasse E., Najbauer J. Meeting report. The 5th International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Annual Meeting, June 2007. Stem Cells. (2008). 26:292-298.
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