Diseases of the brain and nervous system can cause severe disability and economic burden globally. The future of regenerative medicine for these disorders lies in understanding how the brain develops and maintains itself throughout life. Such knowledge would facilitate the development of foundational tools for using stem cells in basic research and, more excitingly, pioneering technologies that will allow stem cells to be used therapeutically.
The goal of the Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, co-sponsored by the Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the Friedman Brain Institute, is to advance research on stem cells and identify new preventative and therapeutic strategies that can lead to cures or relief for conditions such as neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration including autism, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.