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Endowed Chair Boosts Stem Cell Research at UCSF Diabetes Center
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Justine Schreyer Podell with husband Greg and son Jordan
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A generous pledge of $1 million from the Kadima Foundation has created the Justine K. Schreyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Research. Named for the daughter of the Foundation's chair, Chara Schreyer, this endowment will enable the Diabetes Center at UCSF to recruit and retain stem cell investigators.
Because of their ability to direct the production of different types of cells and tissues, stem cells offer hope for sufferers of a number of conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, stroke, spinal cord injury, and heart disease.
Stem cell therapy holds great promise for those with diabetes, in which the patient's immune system destroys islet cells of the pancreas. These cells normally produce insulin, the hormone that controls energy metabolism and regulates blood glucose levels. The subsequent rise in blood glucose levels can lead to complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke.
Researchers have been looking for a way to replace destroyed islet cells for decades. That search may soon come to a successful end as investigators learn how to coax stem cells to develop into these insulin-producing cells.
UCSF investigator Michael German, MD, whose pioneering work in stem cell therapy has placed him at the forefront of the effort to cure diabetes, was named the first holder of the Justine K. Schreyer Endowed Chair on November 10. German is exploring how islet cells normally mature, in hopes of determining the best way to derive new islet cells through stem cell therapy.
The Schreyers have supported diabetes research and patient education at UCSF for over 20 years, making gifts through the Kadima Foundation, which also funds programs promoting Jewish culture, the arts, and youth. In addition to the family's gifts, Justine has provided hands-on aid to the University by volunteering in German's laboratory.
"Justine and I have followed the work of researchers at the Diabetes Center for many years," Chara Schreyer says. "We are honored to support those who bring relief to diabetes patients today and who may someday offer not just treatments for the disease, but a cure."
To support stem cell research at UCSF, contact Linda Buck at lbuck@support.ucsf.edu or 415/476-3953.
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