Stem Cell & Brain Research Institute

The Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute is a multidisciplinary research center focused on the study of the nervous system and the development of therapeutic strategies for brain repair. It operates as a joint research unit between Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) and the Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. The institute was created in 2011 from the merger of three Inserm units and is located in Bron, near Lyon. It is directed by Dr. Pascale Durbec. The institute brings together researchers from various backgrounds, including biology, medicine, and engineering, to explore the potential of stem cells in treating neurodegenerative diseases, brain injuries, and psychiatric disorders.

The institute's research is organized around several teams, each focusing on specific areas such as the generation of dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease, the role of astrocytes in brain plasticity and repair, and the development of new models for studying brain development and pathologies. The institute's work covers a wide spectrum from fundamental research on neural stem cells and brain development to preclinical and clinical studies aimed at translating scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients. It serves the scientific and medical community by advancing knowledge in neuroscience and providing a platform for collaborative research. The business model is that of a publicly funded research institute, relying on grants from national and international agencies, as well as partnerships with private companies, to finance its research activities.

A significant aspect of the institute's work is its focus on "from bench to bedside" research, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. This involves close collaboration with clinicians at the Lyon University Hospital and other medical centers. The institute is also involved in training the next generation of scientists through its doctoral and postdoctoral programs. Its facilities include advanced platforms for cell culture, imaging, and molecular biology, enabling researchers to conduct cutting-edge studies. The ultimate goal is to develop effective therapies for a range of neurological conditions that currently have limited treatment options.

Keywords: neuroscience research, stem cell therapy, brain repair, neurodegenerative diseases, Inserm, Lyon 1 University, neural development, regenerative medicine, Parkinson's disease, brain injury