According to a National Health Survery in 2004, nearly one out of every 12 people in Singapore suffer from diabetes. This is one statistic that Dr. Susan Lim could not ignore. In response, she created Stem Cell Technologies (i), with the (i) standing for "insulin." The biotechnology startup focuses on research to find a cure for diabetes through the use of stem cells.
Focus On Adult Stem Cells - Dr. Susan Lim
The Research Company uses adult stem cells rather than embryonic stem cells as the starting cell source from which to manufacture insulin-secreting cells. The rationale for this choice lies in the practical approach that Dr Susan Lim has taken with her research, with the emphasis of translating the results from bench to bedside to benefit patients in her lifetime. The many issues surrounding embryonic stem cells, including the risk of cancer through the infinite and uncontrolled divisions of the embryonic stem cell, has driven Dr Lim to focus on the use of adult stem cells. However, as the Adult Stem cell is not pluripotent, it has been an uphill task to derive insulin-secreting cells from adult stem cells.
Dr. Susan Lim - iPS Cells May Hold The Key
The recent discovery of iPS cells, created through the use of adult cells, may hold the key to the derivation of insulin-secreting cells. These iPS cells have similar characteristics to that of embryonic stem cells primarily the ability to produce any type of cell in the body. Dr Susan Lim, together with her collaborators, have embarked on creating iPS cells from Adult Stem Cells, and are now trying to work out a strategy to derive insulin-secreting cells from these.
However, Dr Susan Lim cautions that it could take several years before scientists will know if iPS cells will prove to be productive. In the meantime, research continues in Dr Lim’s laboratory to try to understand the basis of regenerative medicine applications, cancer biology and more.
Dr. Susan Lim - Cell Transplant Sites - Bench to Bedside
In the pursuit of a cure for diabetes, Dr. Susan Lim has also researched on sites in the human body where these insulin-secreting cells may eventually be transplanted. While most studies have used the liver as a site in which to graft these cells, Dr Susan Lim in her Singapore laboratory, has researched the rectum as a novel site for transplanting these cells. This pioneering work was first described by Dr Susan Lim of Singapore in the Journal Transplantation in 1994 (Transplantation (USA). 57(2):294-6, 1994).
