Stem Cells for Transplantation

Robert Kloner, MD, PhD
Director of Research, Member, Board of Directors,
Heart Institute of Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles

February 23, 2005
CLU - Richter Hall Ahmanson Science Building

There is no doubt that we are on the verge of a major stem cell breakthrough. Stem cells will one day provide effective low-cost treatment for diabetes, some forms of blindness, heart attack, stroke, spinal cord damage and many other health problems. Stem cell research has a history of more than 20 years and has made some outstanding contributions to our understanding of cell growth and mutation. Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

Robert Kloner, MD, PhD

Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD, is Director of Research and on the Board of Directors at the Heart Institute of Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, California and Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Dr. Kloner graduated with a PhD from Northwestern University in 1974, and an MD degree from Northwestern University Medical School in 1975. Dr. Kloner did his residency at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and was a Research Fellow in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kloner served as Director of the Cardiac Research Laboratory at Harvard Medical School from 1979 to 1984. He edited a textbook for professionals, The Guide to Cardiology, 3rd Edition, published in 1995 and is co-editor of four editions of the book Cardiovascular Trials Review. In addition, Dr. Kloner is a famous author of medical thrillers, including The Deity Genes, The Beta Virus and Mind Cure.