Regenerative Biology

The elements to establish the Genetics and Development / Regenerative Biology Program already exist at Mayo Clinic. Recent developments involve the harvesting of cells from the abdominal fat of adult individuals, genetically modifying those cells in culture and transplanting them back into the individuals where the cells can regenerate damaged tissues. We are currently studying how these cells may help patients with heart muscle damage and how cells grown under different conditions may help patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. The cellular senescence and tissue regeneration programs are strongly complementary.