Abstract
The Pan Pacific Symposium of Stem Cell Research was held in June 2008 at China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. The purpose of this symposium was firstly to promote the sharing of up-to-date knowledge of stem cell research, especially its translational applications in patients. Secondly, it was to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the China Medical University and Hospital, which is the leading medical institution in central Taiwan.
At the meeting, and published in this issue of Cell Transplantation, new therapeutic applications in neurological, cardiovascular, and hematological diseases by stem cells and nanotechnology were explored. Included in this issue are articles on the effects of lithium (9) and cell transplants for the treatments of brain injuries ranging from gliomas (1) to stroke and other cardiovascular disorders (4, 7, 8). An overview of cell transplantation for the treatment of nonmusculoskeletal diseases was also covered (5). Another major topic is on the exploration of the novel molecular mechanisms of stem cell renewal and differentiation involving RNA splicing and micro RNAs (3, 6). Application of nanotechnology in the regulation of stem cell function is also addressed (2).
The Pan Pacific Symposium of Stem Cell Research will be held every year in Taiwan. We welcome stem cell researchers around the world to attend this annual meeting to share their knowledge, expertise, and most recent research advances with investigators covering diverse topics of stem cell research.