UCI receives $2.1 million grant to study stem cells

A UCI engineer was awarded a $2.1 million state grant to study the effect of embryonic stem cells on heart disease, university officials announced Wednesday.

Andrew Putnam will study how embryonic stem cells can help the body recover from heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.

Adult stem cells have been known to stimulate capillary blood vessels, which transfers blood to damaged tissue.

Putnam will investigate whether embryonic stem cells, or a combination of adult and embryonic stem cells can heal the body with cardiovascular problems.

The study could lead to stem cell-based therapy for diseases characterized by poor blood flow, Putnam said.

Putnam was one of 22 scientists statewide to receive a total of $54 million in grants.

Cardiovascular diseases account for an estimated $330 billion in healthcare costs annually nationwide.

Nearly 62 million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, with more than 1.5 million people dying from it this year alone, officials said.

— Joseph Serna