Institute for Regenerative Medicine
About the Institute for Regenerative Medicine
The Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IRM) at Texas A&M College of Medicine, founded in 2008, actively contributes to the advancement of medical science as a vital component of the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics.
The IRM serves as a beacon of innovation and discovery in the realm of healthcare. With a steadfast mission to advance the frontiers of translational research, the IRM focuses on the transformative potential of regenerative medicine to significantly improve the quality of life. This cutting-edge institution explores various fields, aiming to extend health span, particularly in the face of age-related challenges. Its research tackles critical issues such as autoimmune disorders and age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including the devastating impacts of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the IRM is dedicated to exploring solutions for trauma, including penetrating and closed head injuries and Gulf War Illness.
The IRM also engages Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, Research Assistants, Ph.D., Master’s, and Undergraduate students in training for high-impact research in regenerative medicine.
The Current Research Focus of the IRM Faculty
| Production of neural stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for cell replacement therapies and organ repair in animal models and testing drugs or biologics using disease-in-a-dish prototypes. |
| Production and testing of extracellular vesicles from human iPSC-derived neural stem cells, astrocytes, and microglia in models of Brain Aging, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Tauopathy, and Penetrating and Repeated Closed-head injuries. |
| Standardization and application of human bone marrow and human iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their products in therapies for diseases related to abnormal immune responses or tissue degeneration. |
| Studying pathogenesis and novel therapies of severe dry mouth caused by radiation therapy or autoimmune responses. |
| Investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of human bone marrow-derived or human iPSC-derived mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular vesicles released by them in preclinical models of inflammation or immune-mediated diseases, including corneal wounds, autoimmune type 1 diabetes, and Sjögren's Syndrome. |
| Studying the pathophysiology of Gulf War Illness, including accelerated senescence and aging, and testing the efficacy of novel treatment strategies for Gulf War Illness in preclinical models. |
| Tracking neuroinflammation in Veterans with Gulf War Illness through a "liquid biopsy" approach involving characterization of brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the blood. |
| Participating in a clinical trial in Veterans with Gulf War Illness, evaluating the efficacy of a drug therapy for alleviating neuroinflammation by characterizing brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the blood. |