Yu-Fen (Kathy) Chou
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Yu-Fen (Kathy) Chou, Ph.D.

Scientific Officer, NYSTEM
Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences
PhD, Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Postdoctoral training: Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital
Postdoctoral training: Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School
(518) 474-8969
Fax: (518) 474-5049

Research Interests

Dr. Chou received her doctoral degree in biomedical engineering from University of California, Los Angeles and completed her postdoctoral fellowship training at Center for Regenerative Medicine in Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. At UCLA, Dr. Chou’s research focused on biomaterials and tissue engineering for bone and cartilage regeneration. A new type of bio-conductive material, termed accelerated biomimetic apatite, was created by Dr. Chou to promote bone regeneration. Three dimensional biodegradable scaffolds incorporated with accelerated apatite and adipose tissue-derived stem cells were proven to heal critical size calvarial defects in mouse model.

Upon completion of her doctorate working on biomaterials and adult stem cells, Dr. Chou decided to extend her research interest in understanding the molecular mechanism of pluripotency in embryonic stem (ES) cells and germline stem cells. A novel stem cell line was derived by Dr. Chou from murine blastocyst embryos using a combination of bFGF, ActivinA and BIO (designated FAB-SCs). FAB-SCs are derived in the absence of LIF and BMP4, growth factors thought to be critical for the maintenance of murine ES cells. FAB-SCs display intriguing molecular and phenotypic properties. This novel blastocyst-derived stem cell line may serve as an important tool to enhance our understanding of stem cell biology.

In 2008, Dr. Chou joined the New York State Stem Cell Science (NYSTEM) program as a Science Officer based on her expertise in the emerging field of stem cell and regenerative medicine. In addition to her administrative role in NYSTEM, Dr. Chou has a faculty appointment in the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMS), University at Albany. 

Select Publications
Cohn J, Chou YF, Dees, R, Kohn M. Regulating Science: Genome Editing, the Embryo, and the Lives of Our Children. New York State Bar Association (NYSBA). Health Law Journal Special Edition: Legal Issues in Biotechnology. 2015; 20 (3): 33-43.
Chen HH, Welling M, Bloch DB, Muñoz J, Mientjes E, Chen X, Tramp C, Wu J, Yabuuchi A, Chou YF, Buecker C, Krainer A, Willemsen R, Heck AJ, Geijsen N. DAZL Limits Pluripotency, Differentiation, and Apoptosis in Developing Primordial Germ Cells. Stem Cell Reports. 2014; 3 (5): 892-904.
Pubmed Web Address
Chou YF, Yabuuchi A. Murine embryonic stem cell derivation, in vitro pluripotency characterization, and in vivo teratoma formation. Current Protocols in Toxicology. 2011; Chapter 2 Unit 2.22.
Pubmed Web Address
Chou YF, Zuk PA, Chang TL, Benhaim P, Wu BM. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and BMP2: Part 1. BMP2-Treated Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Do Not Improve Repair of Segmental Femoral Defects. Connective Tissue Research. 2011; 52 (2): 109-18.
Pubmed Web Address
Zuk PA, Chou YF, Mussano F, Benhaim P, Wu BM. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and BMP2: Part 2. BMP2 May Not Influence the Osteogenic Fate of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Connective Tissue Research. 2011; 52 (2): 119-32.
Pubmed Web Address
Chou YF, Chen HH, Eijpe M, Yabuuchi A, Chenoweth JG, Tesar P, Lu J, McKay RD, Geijsen N. The Growth Factor Environment Defines Distinct Pluripotent Ground States in Novel Blastocyst-Derived Stem Cells. Cell. 2008; 135 (3): 449-61.
Pubmed Web Address