Stem Cell and Development Stem cells hold immense promises for disease modelling, drug development and regenerative medicine because they can self-renew, proliferate, and differentiate into multiple cell types. However, these unique properties are a double-edged sword because many malignancies are driven by cancer stem cells which arise when stem cells escape normal regulation, or when differentiated cells aberrantly acquire self-renewal capability. Department of Cell Biology researchers investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern stem cell properties and turn-over in normal physiology, malignant transformation, and aging. They also differentiate stem cells to develop and test new drugs, and for transplantation and regenerative medicine purposes.