When facial trauma, disease (cancer), or congenital malformations interfere with the function of the face and skull, the ability to communicate, self-image, and quality of life can all be destroyed. Craniofacial Regeneration can develop tissue engineering-based treatments for wounds and defects of the face and skull that restore function as well as appearance. Craniofacial Regeneration is dedicated to the development of techniques that result in a natural-looking, fully functioning face that is compatible with the patient’s self image. This requires methods that can be individualized to each patient, which also foster the complete biomechanical functioning of cartilage, bone, muscle, mucosa and skin as it regrows. Further, regenerating tissues must functionally integrate with the patient’s own, without the threat of rejection by the patient’s immune system as is seen with face transplants.

A critical question guiding much of this work is which cell type to use for each area of regeneration. Differentiated (specialized) cells, non-differentiated progenitor cells, and stem cells each present unique benefits and drawbacks, and each day yields new insights into their advantages and disadvantages. Limited availability, as well as restricted use of embryonic stem cells, spurred Institute researchers to identify other sources of cells capable of differentiating to serve various needs.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

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