Event Details

Alfred E.Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering - Seminar series

Fri, Nov 22, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: RTH 109
Speaker: Dr. Charles Murry, Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, KSOM, USC

Talk Title: Regenerating the Heart: Peeling an Onion

Abstract: The concept of human heart regeneration has progressed from a quixotic aspiration to a realistic possibility. Fundamental discoveries in stem cell biology, cell cycle control, and cellular reprogramming have opened new therapeutic avenues into the world’s number one cause of death.  In this lecture, I will focus on pluripotent stem cell-based approaches to heart regeneration, touching on key advances in cell sourcing, scaled manufacturing, delivery, efficacy, mechanism of action, engraftment arrhythmias, and immune rejection.

Biography: Dr. Charles (Chuck) Murry received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Dakota, followed by MD-PhD training at Duke University, where he studied myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (heart attacks).  He did residency training in Anatomic Pathology at the University of Washington, followed by fellowship training in vascular biology and diagnostic cardiovascular pathology.  At the UW, Murry was the founding director of the Center for Cardiovascular Biology, and he cofounded and for many years directed the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine.  Murry recently was recruited to the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, where he chairs the department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and directs the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research. 
 Dr. Murry’s research focuses on stem cell biology, with an emphasis on understanding differentiation of the human cardiovascular system and using these cells to study diseases and to regenerate damaged tissues.  His group is a world leader in heart regeneration and is working toward a clinical trial using cardiomyocyte therapy.  He has served on many local, national and international committees, spoken widely about stem cells and cardiovascular medicine, and he has received numerous awards for teaching and scientific achievement.  Dr. Murry is a past member of the International Society for Stem Cell Research Board of Directors and currently serves on its Manufacturing, Clinical Translation, and Industry Committee.
 In addition to his academic work, Murry has worked to promote commercialization of novel cardiovascular therapies.  He cofounded BEAT Biotherapeutics, Sana Biotechnology, and most recently a Los Angeles-based startup called StemCardia. 
 

Host: Peter Yingxiao Wang- Chair of Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering