Hands on course on derivation and culture of pluripotent stem cells

ESHRE invites you to attend its workshop on 'Update on pluripotent stem cells (hESC and iPS)' followed by a hands on course on 'Derivation and culture of pluripotent stem cells'. The objective of the course on 8 February is to provide participants with an update on the state of the art of pluripotent stem cells. The objective of the hands on workshop during the following days 9-12 February is to provide the participants with the methodology in use for derivation, culture and characterization of pluripotent stem cells.

You are welcome to register for the workshop alone without the hands on course or for both events together. More information on this event can be found on the ESHRE website: http://www.eshre.com/ESHRE/English/Calendar/Eshre-campus/Update-on-pluripotent-stem-cells/page.aspx/854

Here a few of the highlights that will be presented during the course:

• hESC derivation
• Freezing and thawing of pluripotent stem cells
• Spermatogonial and ovarian stem cells
• Cell reprogramming
• Genetic stability of pluripotent stem cells
• Culture of hESC and MSC
• Registries and stem cell banks
• Stem cell replacement therapy
• Ethical aspects

The hands on course will focus on methodologies in:

• Embryo culture preparation
• Blastomere biopsy
• Freezing and thawing
• Use of extracellular matrices
• Expansion
• Characterization
• Differentiation
• Reprogramming

Reproductive medicine is one of today's most exciting scientific and clinical areas. Every month brings announcements of research developments, medical 'firsts', new rulings by regulatory bodies, or ethical controversies - often sparking a heated debate among practitioners in the field themselves, as well as ethicists, legislators, the media and the public. ESHRE's activities provide the media with the opportunity to hear the latest research news and interview the experts. All sessions are open to the media.

ESHRE is pleased to offer access to this workshop to professionals in the field of reproductive medicine and science. Bona fide journalists in possession with a recognized press card or a commissioning letter on headed paper from the publication they are working for may register for free. Journalists are required to observe embargoes as indicated either by ESHRE staff or by the date/time of the presented session.

Source: European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology