Singapore’s Biomedical Research Council (BMRC)
The Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) is one arm of Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The mission of A*STAR is to foster world class scientific research and develop talent for a vibrant knowledge-based Singapore.
The BMRC oversees the development of core research capabilities within A*STAR research units specialising in bioprocessing; chemical synthesis; genomics and proteomics; molecular and cell biology; bioengineering and nanotechnology and computational biology. Through competitive grants, the Council also supports research in the wider scientific community such as public universities and hospitals. As part of its efforts to advance human healthcare, BMRC actively promotes translational medicine and cross-disciplinary research. The Council also engages in human capital development in the biomedical sciences and promotes societal awareness of biomedical research through outreach programmes. S$110 milion have been set aside for stem cell research until 2011.
Singapore stem cell strategy
The Singapore Stem Cell Consortium is an initiative of the A*STAR BMRC with the aim of establishing a coordinated and focused translational research and development programme in stem cells in Singapore. The Consortium seeks to catalyze the translation of basic stem cell research into clinically viable stem cell therapies for chronic, debilitating diseases, by building strong linkages between basic science and clinical research groups. It coordinates the diverse stem cell research activities in Singapore by funding collaborative grant calls and developing key resources needed by the stem cell research community.
The Stem Cell Bank has been set up enabling Singapore’s research community access to stem cell lines. The Consortium also organizes training courses and workshops to increase the pool of local stem cell scientists and stem cell-related conferences to promote regular interactions between scientists and clinicians, and to forge partnerships with the global stem cell research community.
Key investments and achievements
Singapore Stem Cell Consortium – (www.sscc.a-star.edu.sg) (Revamped website to be available Q1 2008)
A*STAR Biomedical Research Council - www.a-star.edu.sg/astar/biomed/index.do
Biomed Singapore - www.biomed-singapore.com
1. Sall4 modulates embryonic stem cell pluripotency and early embryonic development by the transcriptional regulation of Pou5f1. Zhang et al (2006) Nat Cell Biol 10 1114-1123
2. Jmjdla and Jmjd2c histone H3 Lys 9 demethylases regulate self-renewal in embryonic stem cells. Loh et al (2007) Genes Dev 20 2545-57
3. Whole-Genome Mapping of Histone H3Lys4 and 27 Trimethylations Reveals Distinct Genomic Compartments in Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Zhao et al (2007) Cell Stem Cell 1 286-98
4. The Generation of Six Clinical-Grade Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines (Lines available for research at low cost from A*Star Singapore Stem Cell Consortium Bank). – Crook et al (2007) Cell Stem Cell 1 490-94
5. Genome-wide mapping of RELA(p65) binding identifies E2F1 as a transcriptional activator recruited by NG-kappaB upon TLR4 activation. Lim et al (2007) Mol Cell 4 622-35
For further information please visit:
www.sscc.a-star.edu.sg
www.stemcell.edu.sg
For research funding information see Singapore BMRC support for stem cell research.
