Catriona Jamieson

Director at Sanford Stem Cell Institute, CIRM UC San Diego Alpha Stem Cell Clinic

Dr. Catriona Jamieson is a leading physician-scientist who discovered missplicing, RNA hyper-editing, and splice isoform switching as mechanisms governing human cancer stem cell maintenance in selective niches. This pioneering cancer stem cell research has transformed therapies, including JAK2 and sonic hedgehog-inhibitor trials for myeloproliferative neoplasms and leukemia stem cell targeting. Her research and efforts lead to the 2019 FDA approval of fedratinib for the treatment of adult patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk primary or secondary Myelofibrosis. She sent the first bioreactors with cancer organoids that detect activation of cancer stem cell properties in real-time into space on April 8, 2022, as part of the Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research (ISSCOR) Program. The purpose is to identify biomarkers for early detection, and interventional leads and lay the groundwork for future cancer stem cell research in space. She is a Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Regenerative Medicine, the Koman Family Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, and the Director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute at the University of California San Diego. Dr. Jaimeson received the 2017 MPN Hero’s Award, the Moores Cancer Center Rell Sunn Award in 2020 (past awardees include Roger Tsien, Kary Mullis, Tony Hunter, Brian Druker, Carl June, J. Craig Venter), and the Top Doctor for the 10th consecutive year by Castle Connolly in 2021. Most recently, her visionary leadership resulted in the single largest gift in the history of UC San Diego, for $150 million from T. Denny Sanford, resulting in the creation of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute.

Speaker Sessions

InSight Sessions – Lab to Orbit: Unlocking the Secrets of Aging by Studying Brain and Cancer in Space

Advancements in space research have opened new frontiers in understanding complex biological processes. By simulating aging processes using brain organoids in space, researchers can uncover cellular and molecular changes related to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, cancer studies in space provide novel insights into tumor behavior and drug responses, enabling the development of more effective cancer therapies. This cutting-edge research not only sheds light on how space impacts our health but also provides valuable insights into aging, rejuvenation, and drug discovery. Embracing these opportunities to harness the benefits of space research could revolutionize healthcare and foster a healthier and more vibrant future for humankind.

Space: Biotech’s Next Frontier

Recent projects are focused on mapping the microbial metagenome of the space station, which involves taking around 1000 samples of the station. Catriona Jamieson, a hematologist and director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute has sent tumors and stem cells aboard private spaceflights like SpaceX CRS-24 and the recent Axiom-3 mission to be studied in the International Space Station.