Christine Grandizio

Manager, Stem Cell

At Coriell Institute, I lead the Stem Cell Laboratory which is at the forefront of the cutting-edge field of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC). My focus is in the generation and characterization of high quality induced pluripotent stem cells derived from various mature cell types including PBMCs and fibroblast cell lines.

The samples are from healthy and disease models including neurologic and genetic disorders which are reprogrammed back to a pluripotent stem cell like state using methods discovered by Dr. Shinya Yamanaka in 2006. After reprogramming the cells to iPSCs, they can be differentiated or turned into any other cell type in the body (neuronal cells, cardiomyocytes, pancreatic cells etc.). iPSCs are a valuable resource for scientists to use in disease modelling, drug discovery, and many other areas of research. The newer technologies of directed differentiation, organoid formation, and gene-editing open up the possibilities for better treatment and eventual cure of disease and genetic disorders.

With the rapidly advancing field of stem cell research, it is imperative to have high quality starting material to ensure accuracy and reproducibility. The highest quality iPSCs require tremendous care, effort, and scientific expertise to maintain the key characteristics required of stem cells for use in many down-stream assays. My goal is to continue to offer exceptional induced pluripotent stem cell and differentiated cell lines to scientist around the world to further advance scientific discovery.    

Education MS - Rutgers University