Announcing the 2024 CSCI Seed Fund Competition Winners: Drs. Aaron D. Viny, Barbara Corneo, and Stephen H. Tsang

Aaron Viny, MD, MS & Barbara Corneo, PhD

“Developing an inducible/reversible genetic iPSC system for modeling key stem cell regulators”

We will build genetically engineered iPSC systems with inducible and reversible genetic alterations for genes essential during reprogramming and differentiation. Using these systems, and STAG2 as a proof of principle, we will test genetic and chemical dependencies of such genes in a time-dependent assessment during reprogramming and differentiation.

Stephen Tsang, MD, PhD

“Mutation-Agnostic Stem Cell-Based CRISPR Therapy for Dominant Retinal Degenerations”

We will harness the power of stem cell biology by using stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to model macular degeneration, which affects over 12 million Americans. These stem cell models enable the development of innovative treatments targeting metabolic dysfunctions like cholesterol buildup and drusen formation. By leveraging gene-agnostic strategies such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway activation, this research aims to address macular degeneration's root causes and offer new hope for halting or reversing disease progression. 

Please join us in congratulating the winners of this year’s CSCI Seed Fund competition!