Chuck Murry’s lab is using stem cells to regenerate the heart muscle damaged by heart attacks. The approach is expected to enter clinical trials within the next few years.

Across USC Stem Cell, scientists are developing new approaches to help the millions of patients with heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Each year in the U.S. alone, approximately 700,000 people die of heart disease—the cause of one in five deaths.

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Chuck Murry in the lab

Heart health enters the future with a $28.7 million gift from the Marcus Foundation

In a landmark moment for both the treatment of heart disease and philanthropic support, The Marcus Foundation has awarded the head of USC Stem Cell Center, Chuck Murry, MD, PhD, $28.7 million …

Thymus

Thymus-derived hormone may help suppress age-related inflammation

In animal models, researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that targeting the thymus can reduce age-related inflammation and improve cancer outcomes. Chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body—a phenomenon …

2026 USC CIRM COMPASS graduates (Photo by Amor Mathershed)

Undergraduate stem cell research takes the spotlight at USC CIRM COMPASS symposium

USC Stem Cell prepares undergraduates to present research and become the regenerative medicine workforce of the future. Stem cell research took center stage at the year-end symposium for the USC CIRM COMPASS …

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Heart Videos

Learn how Leonardo Morsut, PhD, with USC Stem Cell and USC Viterbi School of Engineering is leading the way in the field of regenerative medicine to ignite discovery in stem cell research.
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