Mohamad Khazaei’s research in spinal cord injury earns him Young Investigator Award

Durham, NC- Mohamad Khazaei, Ph.D., scientific associate in Dr. Michael Fehlings’ lab at Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, is the latest recipient of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine‘s (SCTM) Young Investigator Award. Launched in 2013, the award fosters advancements in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine by honoring a young researcher who is the principal author of an article published in SCTM that, over the course of a year, is deemed to have the most impact.

Dr. Khazaei’s work is focused on bringing cell-based strategies into the therapeutic pipeline through generating and differentiating novel cell types using genetic and cell engineering approaches. His experience traverses the range from human primary or stem cell-based neural cell culture, 3D neuronal cell culture models, and developing neurodegenerative disease models in mammalian cells to direct reprogramming toward neural lineages, developing/improving differentiation protocols for neuroglia lines, using single-cell RNAseq and CRISPR-screening for cell fate determination/modification, and more.

“While we currently lack effective regenerative medicine treatment options for spinal cord injuries, Dr. Khazaei’s work to create a cell transplantation therapy utilizing neural precursor cells is novel and provides a promising approach,” said Anthony Atala, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine and director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

In his winning paper, “Human Spinal Oligodendrogenic Neural Progenitor Cells Promote Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury by Axonal Remyelination Following Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury,” Dr. Khazaei and his team investigated using neurons and oligodendrocytes to obtain better functional recovery for spinal cord injury. Their findings move the science one step closer to clinical trial.

Learn more about Dr. Khazaei’s work on treatment options for spinal cord injuries.

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About STEM CELLS Translational Medicine: STEM CELLS Translational Medicine (SCTM), co-published by AlphaMed Press and Wiley, is a monthly peer-reviewed publication dedicated to significantly advancing the clinical utilization of stem cell molecular and cellular biology. By bridging stem cell research and clinical trials, SCTM will help move applications of these critical investigations closer to accepted best practices. SCTM is the official journal partner of Regenerative Medicine Foundation.

About AlphaMed Press: Established in 1983, AlphaMed Press with offices in Durham, NC, San Francisco, CA, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, publishes two other internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals: STEM CELLS, celebrating its 38th year, is the world’s first journal devoted to this fast paced field of research. The Oncologist, also a monthly peer-reviewed publication, entering its 25th year, is devoted to community and hospital-based oncologists and physicians entrusted with cancer patient care. All three journals are premier periodicals with globally recognized editorial boards dedicated to advancing knowledge and education in their focused disciplines.

About Wiley: Wiley, a global company, helps people and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our online scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, combined with our digital learning, assessment and certification solutions, help universities, learned societies, businesses, governments and individuals increase the academic and professional impact of their work. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The company’s website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

About Regenerative Medicine Foundation (RMF): The non-profit Regenerative Medicine Foundation fosters strategic collaborations to accelerate the development of regenerative medicine to improve health and deliver cures. RMF pursues its mission by producing its flagship World Stem Cell Summit, honouring leaders through the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Action Awards, and promoting educational initiatives.