How can stem cell scientists help to overcome racial health disparities?
Most major diseases of our time are exacerbated by racial health disparities, which continue to widen. Thanks to induced pluripotent stem cell technology, it is possible to create stem cell models of disease that represent genetically diverse patients, enabling precision medicine research - yet most stem cell lines currently used in research are derived from white, non-Hispanic populations. Increasing the diversity of stem cell biobanks presents a key opportunity to ensure that disease research captures the full diversity of humanity and benefits all communities in need. Join panelists Ru Gunawardane, PhD, Ekemini A. U. Riley, PhD, John Greally, PhD, DMed, and Scott Noggle, PhD as they explore this opportunity and call the stem cell community to action. This discussion will be moderated by NYSCF’s Raeka Aiyar, PhD.
0:00 - Introduction
6:14 - What are some examples of how inequality impacts clinical outcomes?
12:29 - What problems do scientists face in conducting genetically diverse research?
18:20 - How is NYSCF tackling issues of inequality in research?
24:23 - What are the fears in minority communities about participating in research?
29:42 - How do we integrate patient voices into the research process?
37:28 - How can we alleviate patient concerns about the safety of research?
51:00 - How can we mobilize collaborations and funders to solve these issues?
54:52 - What can we, as individuals, do to help solve this problem?
Panelists will discuss:
-The deadly consequences of lacking diversity in disease research
-The current state of stem cell biobanks and factors behind their lack of diversity
-The impact of genetic ancestry and sex on disease outcomes and treatment effectiveness
-Current initiatives to increase diversity in stem cell biobanks and disease research
-The social and financial challenges that need to be overcome to enable more inclusive disease research