Explore every episode of the podcast The Stem Cell Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 274: “Brain Organoids” Featuring Dr. Ziyuan Guo | 20 Aug 2024 | 01:20:02 | |
Guest:
Dr. Ziyuan Guo is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Center for Stem Cell & Organoid Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He talks about in vivo reprogramming and cell and gene therapy in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. He also discusses assembloids to model the blood-brain barrier and strategies for organoid vascularization. Featured Products and Resources:
Modeling Celiac Disease – Scientists generated air–liquid interface duodenal organoids from celiac disease patients. Intestinal Immuno-Organoids – Intestinal immuno-organoids can be used to study tissue-resident immune responses in tumorigenesis and other diseases. Naive PSCs in the Blastocyst – A blastocyst motif substrate reverts mouse and human PSCs to a naive state in vitro. Sensory Neuron Excitability – Schwann cell-secreted PGE2 promotes neuronal maturation and normal sensory function. Image courtesy of Dr. Ziyuan Guo Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 193: “From Academia to Venture Capital” Featuring Dr. Themasap Khan | 18 May 2021 | 01:02:24 | |
Dr. Themasap Khan is the Vice President at Civilization Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in genomics, diagnostics, digital health, AI, and personalized and regenerative medicine. He leads the firm’s scientific due diligence and academic outreach programs. Dr. Khan earned his in PhD in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine in Dr. Sergiu Pasca’s lab at Stanford, where his research focused on genome engineering, cerebellar organoid models, and live imaging to elucidate biological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. Featured Products and Resources:
Gene Therapy for Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Deficiency – Scientists treated patients with ADA severe combined immunodeficiency with a lentiviral vector encoding human ADA, which led to high overall and event-free survival. Lineage Tracing through Somatic Mutations – Researchers used somatic mutations in hematopoietic progenitors from human fetuses to study the divergence of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues during development. A Small Molecule Cocktail to Enhance Cell Survival – Scientists used high-throughput screening to identify a cocktail that improves the viability of hPSCs and differentiated cells by blocking several stress mechanisms. 2-Photon Live Imaging of Single Corneal Stem Cells – Researchers identified discrete, functionally diverse stem cell niche compartments in the corneal limbus in the eyes of live mice. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Themasap Khan Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 192: “Gene Expression and the Brain” Featuring Dr. Johan Jakobsson | 04 May 2021 | 00:52:57 | |
Dr. Johan Jakobsson is a Professor of Molecular Neurogenetics at the Lund Stem Cell Center. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms of the brain, including the role of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and endogenous retroelements in neural stem cells and neurons. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpIntestinal Organoids to Model Self-Organization – Researchers found that stem cell zones in intestinal organoid cultures are shaped by fission events, and that organoid inflation drives stem cell differentiation. Wound Healing Without Scarring – Preventing Engrailed-1 activation during wound healing promotes skin regeneration with recovery of skin appendages, ultrastructure, and mechanical strength. Differentiation Unmasks Hidden Aspects of Aging in Stem Cells – Scientists used single-cell RNA sequencing to study age-related changes in muscle stem cells and fibro-adipose progenitors, and found an energy barrier in myogenic differentiation. Human-Monkey Chimeric Embryos – Researchers demonstrated that hEPSCs survived, proliferated, and generated several peri- and early post-implantation cell lineages inside monkey embryos. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Johan Jakobsson Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 191: “Laser-Based Cell Manipulation” Featuring Dr. Marinna Madrid | 20 Apr 2021 | 01:06:14 | |
Dr. Marinna Madrid is Co-Founder of Cellino, an early-stage biotechnology company seeking to make personalized, autologous cell therapies viable at large scale for the first time. Cellino’s platform combines label-free imaging and high-speed laser editing with machine learning to automate cell reprogramming, expansion, and differentiation in a closed cassette format, enabling thousands of patient samples to be processed in parallel in a single facility. Featured Products and Resources:
Using IGF1 to Rescue HSCs from the Hallmarks of Aging – Researchers found that a decline in IGF1 in the bone marrow microenvironment initiates hematopoietic stem cell aging, and that direct stimulation with IGF1 could reverse this phenotype. Krüppel-Like Factor 1 is Critical for Heart Regeneration in Zebrafish – Krüppel-Like Factor 1 stimulates new cardiomyocyte production by reprogramming gene networks that regulate cardiomyocyte differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism. How Aneuploid Embryos Can Lead to Healthy Births – Scientists showed that mosaic embryos can be rescued through BMP4-dependent apoptosis of aneuploidy in the primary germ layers. Patient-Derived Cervical Organoids – Generated from a pap smear sample, cervical organoids can be used as an experimental platform for sexually transmitted infection and cervical cancer research. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Marinna Madrid Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 190: “Immunology and Podcasts” Featuring Drs. Brenda Raud and Jason Goldsmith | 06 Apr 2021 | 01:05:33 | |
Dr. Brenda Raud is a postdoctoral researcher at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Her research focuses on T cell-based immunotherapies and immuno-oncology. Dr. Jason Goldsmith recently completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, and is now the Director of Donor Medical Sciences at Seres Therapeutics, a biotechnology company working to revolutionize treatment of a wide range of diseases by modulating the function of the human microbiome. In addition to their work as researchers, Brenda and Jason are also hosts of the new Immunology Podcast, a sister podcast to the Stem Cell Podcast. Featured Products and Resources:
Single-Cell Synthetic Organism with Less Than 500 Genes – Researchers fabricated an artificial single-cell organism that can grow and divide like a normal cell, giving them insights into which genes are required for cell growth and division. Humanized Skeletal Muscle Grown in Pigs – Scientists generated human-pig chimeric embryos with humanized skeletal muscle, as well as intraspecies chimeric pig embryos that were carried to term. A 3D Model for Macular Degeneration – Researchers developed a 3D iPSC model of the retinal pigment epithelium-choriocapillaris complex, a complex that is damaged in age-related macular degeneration. Human Brain Expansion Driven by an Early Cell Shape Transition – Scientists grew human and ape cerebral organoids and discovered a transition state that is characterized by a change in cell shape, regulated by ZEB2, and delayed in humans. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Drs. Brenda Raud and Jason Goldsmith Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 189: “Stem Cells and Synthetic Biology” Featuring Dr. Krishanu Saha | 23 Mar 2021 | 01:13:44 | |
Dr. Krishanu Saha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His lab utilizes quantitative and bioengineering methods including genome editing, biomanufacturing, and disease modeling to advance the next generation of cell and gene therapies. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpGrowing Advanced Embryos Outside the Uterus – Researchers removed mouse embryos from the uterus at five days of gestation and grew them for six more days in roller culture systems, allowing them to reach advanced organogenesis. Lacrimal Gland Organoids That “Cry” – Scientists established long-term 3D organoid cultures of human and mouse lacrimal glands and used neurotransmitters to induce tear secretion. Generating Human “Blastoids” – Starting with either human ESCs or iPSCs, researchers used a three-dimensional culture strategy to generate blastocyst-like structures in vitro. Reprogramming Fibroblasts into iBlastoids – Fibroblasts were reprogrammed in vitro into three-dimensional models of the human blastocyst, termed iBlastoids. SARS-CoV-2-Induced Cardiac Damage in iPSC-Derived Heart Cells – Scientists infected iPSC-derived cardiac cells with SARS-CoV-2 to better understand how the virus attacks the heart. Cytokine Storms in Cardiac Organoids – Using SARS-CoV-2-infected cardiac organoids and mice, researchers found that bromodomain and extraterminal domain family inhibition reduced infection and cardiac damage. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Krishanu Saha Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 188: “Discovery and Translation at CIRM” Featuring Dr. Kelly Shepard | 09 Mar 2021 | 01:14:19 | |
Dr. Kelly Shepard is the Associate Director of Discovery and Translation at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). CIRM was created by the voters of California in 2004. The agency funds stem cell research at institutions and companies throughout California with the goal of accelerating treatments to patients with unmet medical needs. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpIntestinal Organoids for Regeneration – Researchers have generated a functional small intestinalized colon using ileum-derived organoids, offering a possible strategy for short bowel syndrome treatment. Gene Disrupts Lipid Homeostasis in Glia – Scientists have shown that APOE4 has widespread effects on the brain’s ability to metabolize lipids and respond to stress, offering an explanation for why the gene enhances Alzheimer’s risk. Maturation of Year-Old Brain Organoids – 3D cultures of human brain cells kept alive for nearly a year have been shown to undergo transitions in gene activity that resemble those seen in newborns. Brain Cell Grafts Reverse Parkinson’s Symptoms – Grafting neurons grown from a monkey’s own cells into their brain relieved the debilitating movement and depression symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Kelly Shepard Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep.187: “Stem Cell Education” Featuring Dr. Willy Lensch | 23 Feb 2021 | 01:09:25 | |
Dr. Willy Lensch is Strategic Advisor to the Dean at Harvard Medical School. Previously Executive Director of the Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, his experience in research, education, administration, science policy, intellectual property, science consulting, and outreach have combined to support and advance stem cell science and discovery at Harvard. Featured Products and Resources:
Human Heart-Forming Organoids – For the first time, researchers have reproduced early human heart development in a culture dish using human pluripotent stem cells. Bile Duct Organoids Used to Repair Human Livers – A new study has found that when transplanted into damaged mouse or human livers, cholangiocyte organoids functioned normally and repaired bile ducts. Reversing Severe Muscle Wasting in Disease, Aging, and Trauma – Scientists have discovered a novel protein that triggers muscle stem cells to regenerate, leading to complete muscle replacement and movement in mouse models. Deletion of Tumor Suppressor Gene Enhances HSC Self-Renewal – Deletions of the Kmt2c gene selectively protect cycling hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from differentiation without inducing HSC proliferation themselves. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Willy Lensch Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep.186: “Human Congenital Heart Disease” Featuring Dr. Sean Wu | 09 Feb 2021 | 01:17:58 | |
Dr. Sean Wu is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Stanford School of Medicine. The Wu lab seeks to identify mechanisms responsible for human congenital heart disease, and uses mouse models and stem cells to study cardiovascular developmental biology, and to engineer cardiac tissue. Featured Products and Resources:
hESC-Derived Dopamine Progenitors for Parkinson’s Treatment– Researchers have generated midbrain dopamine neurons from hESCs, and manufactured large-scale cryopreserved dopamine progenitors for clinical use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Reactivating Neural Crest Pluripotency – A new study suggests that cranial neural crest cells expand their developmental potential through a transient reacquisition of molecular signatures of pluripotency. Engaging Eosinophils against Liver Injury – Scientists have discovered a mechanism of eosinophil-mediated liver protection that could serve as a therapeutic target to improve outcomes of patients undergoing liver transplantation. Disrupting the Identity of Heart Muscle Cells – Mutations in the LMNA gene severely disrupt chromatin organization in cardiomyocytes, but not hepatocytes or adipocytes, leading to abnormal activation of non-heart muscle genes. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Sean Wu Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 185: “Cerebral Organoids” Featuring Dr. Jürgen Knoblich | 26 Jan 2021 | 01:16:23 | |
Dr. Jürgen Knoblich is Scientific Director of the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The Knoblich lab is known for the development of an organoid model of early brain development, and is currently using iPSCs and cerebral organoids to investigate inter-brain region interactions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neuronal connections and functions. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpStudy Reveals Immune Driver of Brain Aging – Researchers have identified a key factor in mental aging, and suggested that it might be prevented or reversed by reprogramming myeloid glucose metabolism. A Tonsil Organoid System for Studying Adaptive Immunity – Scientists have developed a tonsil organoid system, and used it to evaluate immune responses to rabies and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Antisense Oligonucleotide Targets IRF4 Gene to Treat Multiple Myeloma – Researchers have shown that silencing IRF4 with an antisense oligonucleotide impairs myeloma cell survival and promotes sensitivity to clinical drugs. Illuminating the Path to Cervical Cancers – By creating novel organoid models, scientists have established a new approach to studying the biology of the cervix, and have identified key turning points in cancer development. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Jürgen Knoblich Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 184: “Engineering Intestinal Grafts” Featuring Dr. Vivian Li | 12 Jan 2021 | 01:12:53 | |
Dr. Vivian Li is Group Leader of the Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute. The Li lab investigates how Wnt signaling controls stem cells in the healthy gut and during colorectal cancer development. The lab also aims to engineer functional intestinal constructs using patient-derived intestinal organoids. Featured Products and Resources:
Machine Learning and iPSC Approach for Drug Discovery – A machine learning approach has been developed to conduct network-based screens in iPSC-derived cells. The method identified a potential drug candidate for heart valve disease. Mapping the Developing Intestine – Using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, scientists have mapped the development of the human intestine over time. Sensory Neurons Promote HSC Mobilization – Scientists have shown that nociceptive nerves in the bone marrow, which are activated by external stimuli like ingestion of spicy foods, are required for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization. Understanding Intestinal Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Differentiation – Scientists have identified a specific intestinal stem cell niche signaling pathway, the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway, that regulates intestinal stem cell self-renewal and lineage decisions. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Vivian Li Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 183: “Glomerulus-on-a-Chip” Featuring Dr. Samira Musah | 15 Dec 2020 | 01:18:23 | |
Dr. Samira Musah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Associate Professor in Medicine at Duke University. The Musah lab applies stem cell biology to engineer functional models of the human kidney and brain, with the goal of developing novel therapeutic models for human kidney diseases and understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in patients with chronic kidney disease and other pathological conditions. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpPromoting Cardiac Repair after Injury – Investigators have found that lymphoangiocrine signals promote cardiac growth, repair and cardioprotection in mice — a process that is mediated by the extracellular protein reelin. Restoring Sight by Rewinding the Epigenetic Clock – Inducing the expression of three Yamanaka transcription factors in mouse retinal ganglion cells restored youthful DNA methylation patterns, promoted axon regeneration after injury, and reversed vision loss. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Drive Fibrosis – Scientists have identified two bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell subsets that drive fibrosis and progression of myeloproliferative neoplasms. They identified a drug that inhibits the mechanism involved. New Tool for Cell Engineering– A comprehensive library of human transcription factors has been created that enables systematic investigation of transcription factor-based programming for cell engineering. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Samira Musah Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 182: “Stem Cells and Society” Featuring Dr. Christopher Scott | 01 Dec 2020 | 01:13:57 | |
Dr. Christopher Thomas Scott is the Dalton Tomlin Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine, and a member of the Daniel L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Scott is also emeritus faculty of the Stanford University Center for Biomedical Ethics. His research centers on the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging biotechnologies. Featured Products and Resources:
Renewed Funding for Stem Cell Research in California – Voters in California have passed Proposition 14, which authorizes new government funding for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Genetics and Skin Cancer Susceptibility – Children with Fanconi anemia have extreme susceptibility to squamous cell carcinoma. Using patient-derived cells, investigators identified a critical DNA repair pathway that maintains the structure and function of human skin. Membrane Tension Regulates Exit from Naive Pluripotency – Scientists have found that a decrease in membrane-to-cortex attachment is a cell-intrinsic mechanism that is essential for stem cells to exit pluripotency. Memory T Cells in Human Skin – Researchers identify features of human skin tissue-resident memory T cells that differ from their murine counterparts, and reveal a role for the skin environment in their long-term persistence. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Christopher Thomas Scott Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 181: “Printing Organoids” Featuring Dr. Matthias Lutolf | 17 Nov 2020 | 01:09:53 | |
Dr. Matthias Lutolf is a Professor and Principal Investigator of the Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. The Lutolf lab uses cutting-edge bioengineering strategies for guiding stem cell-based development for the assembly of next-generation organoids with improved reproducibility and physiological relevance. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpEardrum Stem Cells – Researchers have identified stem cells of the eardrum, and found that their migration over the tissue helps maintain homeostasis. Using “Monster Tumors” to Study Human Development – Investigators propose teratomas as a promising platform for studying human development. Biobank of Rare, Lethal Tumors – An organoid biobank of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms has been created and used to understand the genetics and pathology of the disease. Organoids Produce Embryonic Heart -Researchers grew embryonic organoids, called gastruloids, from mouse embryonic stem cells that mimicked the early stages of heart development in the embryo. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Matthias Lutolf Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 180: “Next Generation Scientists” Featuring Naveed Tavakol, Nathasia Mudiwa Muwanigwa, and Sarthak Sinha | 03 Nov 2020 | 01:03:55 | |
In this special episode of the Stem Cell Podcast, we speak with three PhD students from different parts of the world about their research in and outside of the lab. Naveed Tavakol (pictured, right) is a biomedical engineering PhD student in the Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering at Columbia University under the advisement of Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic. As a National Science Foundation graduate research fellow, he is working on translational approaches to integrated organ-on-a-chip systems, with a specific focus on the hematopoietic system. Nathasia Mudiwa Muwanigwa (pictured, left) is a PhD researcher in the Developmental and Cellular Biology group at the Luxembourg Center of Systems Biomedicine. She uses midbrain-specific organoids to model and study the molecular and cellular changes that occur in the midbrain during the progression of Parkinson’s disease. She is also the co-founder of Visibility STEM Africa. Sarthak Sinha (pictured, center) has been working in Dr. Jeff Biernaskie’s Lab at the University of Calgary since the ninth grade. Now as an MD-PhD Candidate and a Vanier Scholar, his doctoral project utilizes single-cell genomics to understand mechanisms driving skin fibrosis and regeneration across different mammals. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpUsing Organoids for COVID-19 Drug Screening – Researchers have developed lung and colonic organoid models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and perform drug screening to identify candidate therapeutics. Making Airway Stem Cells from Patients’ Cells – iPSCs were directly differentiated into airway basal cells, a population resembling the stem cells of the airway epithelium. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Nathasia Mudiwa Muwanigwa, Sarthak Sinha, and Naveed Tavakol. Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 179: “The Human Segmentation Clock” Featuring Dr. Miki Ebisuya | 20 Oct 2020 | 01:01:25 | |
Dr. Miki Ebisuya is a Group Leader at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Barcelona. Her lab focuses on synthetic developmental biology, where they reconstitute developmental mechanisms by making artificial gene circuits, and study interspecies differences by comparing organoids of different animals. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpLab-Grown Tissue Grafts for Personalized Joint Replacement – Autologous fat-derived cells have been used to engineer cartilage-bone grafts that regenerated and repaired a jaw joint in a minipig model. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Brain – Using brain organoids, researchers have found that SARS-CoV-2 infects choroid plexus cells, but not neurons or glia. This infection damages the epithelium, leading to leakage. The Healing Power of Extracellular Vesicles – Using a heart-on-chip model, investigators have found that endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles contain cardioprotective proteins that rescue ischemia-reperfusion injury. How Plant Stem Cells Resist Infection – The meristem, the collection of stem cells that builds plants, is resistant to viral infection. Scientists have identified a transcription factor that triggers innate antiviral immunity in the meristem of Arabidopsis. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Miki Ebisuya Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 178: “Muscle Stem Cell Quiescence” Featuring Dr. Tom Cheung | 06 Oct 2020 | 01:07:03 | |
Dr. Tom Cheung is an S H Ho Associate Professor of Life Science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His lab investigates the molecular pathways that control muscle stem cell quiescence and stem cell-mediated tissue regeneration. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpOrganoid Model of Rare Genetic Disorder – Scientists generated organoids from individuals 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. They found defects in electrical activity, and identified a possible target to rescue phenotypes associated with the disease. Susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Brain Organoids – hiPSC-derived brain organoids were used to investigate the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect brain cells. The susceptibility to infection was low for neurons and astrocytes, but high for choroid plexus epithelial cells. Mapping the Human Heart – Investigators used transcriptomic data to characterize six anatomical adult heart regions, creating the most extensive cell atlas of the human heart to date. A Contributor to Fanconi Anemia – Scientists found that high levels of MYC expression promote proliferation and DNA damage in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in individuals with Fanconi anemia. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Tom Cheung Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 177: “Molecular Mechanisms of Differentiation” Featuring Dr. Ludovic Vallier | 22 Sep 2020 | 01:10:21 | |
Dr. Ludovic Vallier is a Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Director of the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Centre hiPSC core facility. His lab studies the basic mechanisms controlling the differentiation of pluripotent cells into endoderm progenitors from which the pancreas, lung, gut and liver originate. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpiPSC-Derived MSC Trial for Graft-versus-Host Disease – A phase 1, open-label clinical trial showed that iPSC-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were well tolerated in patients with steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease. Optimizing Drugs using Patient Cells – Scientists used hiPSC-cardiomyocytes from patients with a cardiac rhythm disorder to chemically refine a drug used to treat the disease. Intestinal Organoids Mimic Human Gut – A new and improved method has been developed to generate physiologically relevant organoids by using a scaffold to guide the self-organization of intestinal stem cells into functional epithelium. Making Induced Trophoblast Stem Cells – Researchers identified induced trophoblast cells during the reprogramming of human somatic cells. They could be cultivated, expanded, and potentially used to make placenta cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Ludovic Vallier Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 176: “Stem Cells and the Skin” Featuring Dr. Valerie Horsley | 08 Sep 2020 | 01:02:47 | |
Dr. Valerie Horsley is an Associate Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale University. Her lab studies how adult stem cells within epithelial tissues maintain tissue homeostasis, wound healing and can contribute to cancer formation. Featured Products and Resources:
Treating Obesity and Diabetes with CRISPR-Engineered Fat Cells – White adipocytes were engineered to resemble heat-generating brown fat cells. Transplantation prevented diet-induced obesity and improved glucose homeostasis in mice. A Map of Embryonic Mouse Foregut Development – Scientists have traced the signaling network of endoderm-mesoderm interactions that orchestrate mouse foregut organogenesis. Mechanisms of Trachea Formation – Scientists found that bidirectional Wnt signaling between endoderm and mesoderm promotes trachea development. Scarless Wound Healing – An FDA-approved cream used to treat skin cancers and warts promoted scarless tissue regeneration in wounded mice. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Valerie Horsley Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 175: “Human Colon Organoids” Featuring Dr. Henner Farin | 25 Aug 2020 | 01:03:39 | |
Dr. Henner Farin is a Young Investigator in the German Cancer Consortium, and a Junior Research Group Leader at the Georg-Speyer-Haus Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy. His group uses organoids to study cell signaling in intestinal stem cells and colorectal cancer. Featured Products and Resources:
Immune Evading Organoids to Treat Type 1 Diabetes – Human islet-like organoids have been created that are glucose responsive, avoid immune detection, and restore glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice. Regenerating Cartilage in the Joints – By causing slight injury to the joint tissue, scientists were able to stimulate regeneration and growth of local skeletal stem cells in healthy and osteoarthritic mice. iPSC Model to Study Congenital Heart Disease – A human iPSC model of hypoplastic left heart syndrome was generated to investigate the abnormalities that disrupt healthy heart formation, and identify a therapeutic target. Modulating Wnt to Support Organoid Growth – Researchers have designed next-generation surrogate Wnts that support long-term expansion of multiple types of organoids. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Henner Farin Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 174: “Functional Human Brain Models of Disease” Featuring Dr. Sergiu Pașca | 11 Aug 2020 | 01:10:12 | |
Dr. Sergiu Pașca is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, and the Bonnie Uytengsu and Family Director of the Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program. His team has developed methods for generating human brain organoids, and uses them to study the programs underlying brain development, assembly and dysfunction. To learn more about his research, register for his upcoming webinar, “Building Brain Organoids and Assembloids to Study Human Development and Disease” with STEMCELL Technologies. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpAutophagy Regulates Stemness – Researchers have found that autophagy regulates the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Injury Induces Astrocyte Neurogenesis – When Notch signaling is blocked, astrocytes transition to a neural stem cell-like state after injury. Expanding the Skin by Stretching – Investigators have shown that stretching leads to skin expansion by the self-renewal of epidermal stem cells. Functional Neural Stem Cell Grafts after Spinal Cord Injury – Scientists successfully implanted neural stem/progenitor cell grafts directly into spinal cord injuries in mice. The grafts integrated with and mimicked the animal’s existing neural network. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Sergiu Pașca Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| ISSCR 2020 with Dr. Martin Pera | 04 Aug 2020 | 00:25:23 | |
In June 2020, we attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) virtual annual meeting! Here is the second of three special episodes from the meeting featuring Dr. Martin Pera, Principal Investigator at the Jackson Laboratories, who presented on the unique properties of a subset of human pluripotent stem cells with a high capacity for self-renewal. Guest:Dr. Martin Pera is a Principal Investigator at the Jackson Laboratories and Editor-in-Chief of the ISSCR’s journal Stem Cell Reports. His lab studies the regulation of self-renewal and pluripotency, heterogeneity in pluripotent stem cell populations, and neural specification of pluripotent stem cells. We discuss his work presented at ISSCR 2020 on the unique properties of a subset of human pluripotent stem cells with high capacity for self-renewal. Featured Products and Resources:Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Martin Pera Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 173: “Blood Cells and the Bone Marrow” Featuring Dr. Dominique Bonnet | 28 Jul 2020 | 01:10:56 | |
Dr. Dominique Bonnet is the Group Leader of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute in London, UK. Her lab is interested in the extrinsic mechanisms that regulate hematopoietic stem cells, and how they can intervene in order to eradicate the leukemic stem cell. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpTiny CRISPR System Discovered – A very compact CRISPR-Cas system has been identified in huge bacteriophages, which provides an addition to the genome editing toolbox. The Effects of Heart Attacks on Insulin Resistance – Scientists have found that heart attacks can affect glucose tolerance by acting on hematopoietic progenitor-derived macrophages in distal adipose tissue. The Hair-Raising Reason for Goosebumps – Investigators have found that certain cell types form a niche to regulate hair follicular stem cells and promote goosebumps. Combination Therapy to Treat Head and Neck Cancer – Combining a BMI1 inhibitor with approved PD1 blockade treatment successfully eliminated cancer stem cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Dominique Bonnet Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| ISSCR 2020 with Dr. Kristy Red-Horse | 21 Jul 2020 | 00:40:31 | |
In June 2020, we attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) virtual annual meeting! Here is the second of three special episodes from the meeting featuring Dr. Kristy Red-Horse, Associate Professor of Biology at Stanford University, who presented on using developmental biology to inform cardiac tissue regeneration. Guest:Dr. Kristy Red-Horse is an Associate Professor of Biology at Stanford University. The Red-Horse lab uses cardiovascular development as a model to study the signals that instruct cell fate and guide morphogenesis during organ formation in the mammalian embryo. We discuss her work presented at ISSCR 2020 on coronary vessel development and artery differentiation, as well as the use of single cell analysis and the future of cell therapy. Featured Products and Resources:Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Kristy Red-Horse Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 172: “Organ Regeneration” Featuring Dr. Valentina Greco | 14 Jul 2020 | 01:03:10 | |
Dr. Valentina Greco is the Carolyn Slayman Professor of Genetics at Yale University. Her lab has developed novel live imaging approaches to track and manipulate stem cells in live animals, allowing them to study the complex orchestration of tissue regeneration using the skin as a model system. She is also a fierce advocate for inclusivity in the scientific community. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpReducing Cell-to-Cell Contact Helps Heart Cell Proliferation – Researchers were able to induce massive expansion of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes by activating Wnt and reducing cell-cell contact. Growing Liver Vasculature from Stem Cells – Scientists have developed a strategy to generate liver sinusoidal endothelial cells from human PSCs by first optimizing arteriovenous specification. A Role For Sex Hormones in Stem Cell Control – A steroid hormone produced by the ovaries in Drosophila has been shown to stimulate intestinal stem cell growth, which may help with reproduction but cause gut dysfunction. Beneficial Bioartificial Livers – Investigators have developed a bioartificial liver system that expands liver progenitor-like cells from human primary hepatocytes. The treatment was able to relieve acute liver failure in pigs. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Valentina Greco Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| ISSCR 2020 with Dr. Madeline Lancaster | 07 Jul 2020 | 00:32:06 | |
Intro:
In June 2020, we attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) virtual annual meeting! Here is the first of three special episodes from the meeting featuring Dr. Madeline Lancaster, Group Leader at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK, who presented on new directions for human brain organoids. Guest:Dr. Madeline Lancaster is a Group Leader at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, UK. The Lancaster lab has created cerebral organoids as a model system to better understand human brain evolution, development, and neurodevelopmental disorders. We discuss her work presented at ISSCR 2020, including her team’s latest publication in Science presenting a human central nervous system barrier-forming organoid model that produces cerebrospinal fluid. Featured Products and Resources:Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Madeline Lancaster Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 171: “The Heart and Human Development” Featuring Dr. Benoit Bruneau | 30 Jun 2020 | 01:13:28 | |
Dr. Benoit Bruneau is the Director of the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease. His lab uses mouse models and human iPSCs to investigate the transcription factor networks that regulate sets of genes critical for heart development. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpNew Bone Grafts from Stem Cells – Researchers have identified a highly osteogenic MSC line derived from iPSCs that generates large amounts of osteogenic matrix, which acts as a scaffold during bone regeneration. Melanoma Cells Transdifferentiate into Endothelial Cells – Melanoma cells have been found that reside in a quiescent state in intravascular niches of metastatic organs, and acquire endothelial features. Modeling Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma – Scientists have developed a model to study the neurodegeneration that occurs with glaucoma by using retinal ganglion cells derived from hPSCs that were engineered with a glaucoma-causing mutation. Targeting Senescence-Related Diseases with CAR T – Investigators designed CAR T cells that effectively eliminated senescent cells, demonstrating the potential of CAR T therapy for senescence-associated diseases. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Benoit Bruneau Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 170: “Human Skin Organoids” Featuring Dr. Karl Koehler | 16 Jun 2020 | 01:02:49 | |
Dr. Karl Koehler is an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School. His lab develops organoid systems to study human sensory organ development and function, and to model congenital diseases and develop regenerative medicine therapies for the inner ear and various craniofacial tissues. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpVariable Outcomes in Neural Differentiation – Investigators have found that the variability in outcomes during in vitro differentiation of human PSCs to neural lineage cells is due to differences in a developmental signaling pathway. Human Embryo-Like Model Created from Human Stem Cells – A new model has been developed to study gastrulation in early development using human ESC-derived gastruloids. Boosting Natural Killer Cell Activity with iPSCs – Using iPSCs and deleting a key gene, scientists have created natural killer cells with an enhanced ability to inhibit leukemic cells, both in vivo and in vitro. Brain Organoids that Predict Drug Permeability – Researchers have generated human central nervous system organoids with a barrier that is selective to small molecules, and that secrete cerebrospinal fluid. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Karl Koehler Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 169: “The Mammalian Nervous System” Featuring Dr. Freda Miller | 02 Jun 2020 | 01:23:31 | |
Dr. Freda Miller is a Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children and Professor at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the cellular mechanisms that regulate development of the mammalian nervous system, with a particular interest in stem cells and trophic factors. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpFirst Results from Major Studies of Human Genetic Variation – A massive genome-sequencing and analysis effort has produced the most comprehensive sets of data and tools for understanding human genetic variation so far. Exploring Stem Cell Differentiation – Researchers have developed a new highly multiplexed single-cell RNA sequencing method to understand the signaling pathways that drive embryonic stem cell differentiation. Tri-Cellular Cardiac Microtissue Model – By combining three types of cardiac cells, scientists have developed a human iPSC-derived microtissue platform for modeling multicellular cardiac diseases, and revealed non-cardiomyocyte contributions to heart disease. Modeling the Early Embryonic Brain – Neural tube development has been modeled by exposing embryonic stem cells to WNT signaling gradients that mimic developmental patterning. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Freda Miller Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 168: “Adult Stem Cell-Based Organoids” Featuring Dr. Hans Clevers | 19 May 2020 | 01:18:14 | |
Dr. Hans Clevers is a Group Leader at the Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research. Dr. Clevers pioneered research into the Wnt signaling cascade, Lgr5 as a marker of tissue stem cells, and organoid technology. His group studies the molecular mechanisms of tissue development and cancer of various organs using organoids made from adult Lgr5 stem cells. Featured Products and Resources:
Roadmap of Human Skeletal Muscle Development – An atlas has been created that tracks the development of human skeletal muscle from human muscle tissue and from pluripotent stem cell-derived myogenic cultures. Gatekeeper of Hair-Growing Stem Cells – Researchers have identified two transcription factors responsible for maintaining the identity of hair follicle stem cells. Removing either factor resulted in degenerated hair follicles and scar tissue similar to skin in humans with irreversible alopecia. Biosynthetic Capacity of Colon Cancer Cells – Protein synthesis has been shown to be a key property for the regenerative potential of colon cancer cells. COVID Infection of Bat Intestinal Organoids – Scientists have generated the first bat small intestinal organoids, and showed that they were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Atlas of Human Enteroendocrine Cells – Dr. Hans Clevers summarizes his team’s latest paper describing an organoid-based platform for functional studies of human hormone-producing enteroendocrine cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Hans Clevers Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 167: “From Scientist to Editor-in-Chief” Featuring Dr. Sheila Chari | 05 May 2020 | 01:12:54 | |
Guest:
Dr. Sheila Chari is the Editor-in-Chief at the journal Cell Stem Cell, and Executive Editor at Cell Press. After completing her postdoc, she moved away from the bench and became the Reviews Editor at Cell Stem Cell. As the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Chari’s primary responsibilities are knowing and publishing the top stem cell discoveries, driving journal publishing strategy, and managing a global editorial staff. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpImproved Stem Cell-Derived Beta Cells – The quality of stem cell-derived beta cells can be improved by enriching the culture for specific subpopulations that differentiate homogeneously into pancreatic progenitors. CRISPR Screening for Tumor Drivers – A new organoid-based platform has been developed to identify drivers of cancer using CRISPR-Cas9. Working Together to Heal the Heart – Researchers have identified two transcription factors that work together to regulate cardiomyocyte maturation and proliferation, and whose deletion can initiate heart regeneration. How the Prostate Gland Regenerates – Investigators have found that prostate regeneration is not only driven by rare stem cells, as previously thought, but also by a large population of differentiated cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Sheila Chari Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 266: “From Stem Cells to Cortical Circuits” Featuring Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen | 30 Apr 2024 | 01:23:37 | |
Guest:
Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen is a Professor and Principal Investigator at VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research. His lab studies the mechanisms of cortical development and brain evolution. He talks about species-specific neuronal development, human neuron excitability, and playing in a rock cover band! Featured Products and Resources:
Modeling Cancer Ex Vivo – Induced mini-colons recapitulated hallmarks of colorectal tumors. Human Embryo Gastrulation – Scientists reconstructed a 3D model of a gastrulating human embryo using spatial transcriptomics. Treating Timothy Syndrome – Antisense oligonucleotides rescued defects in patient-derived cortical organoids. Sympathetic Neurons in Jawless Vertebrates – Scientists identified trunk sympathetic neurons in the sea lamprey. Image courtesy of Dr. Pierre Vanderhaeghen Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Special Episode: “COVID-19 Research Updates” Featuring Dr. Josef Penninger | 28 Apr 2020 | 01:15:06 | |
Guest:
Dr. Josef Penninger is the Director of both the Life Sciences Institute at the University of British Columbia, and the Institute for Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, Austria. He was previously on the podcast to talk about his research developing human blood vessel organoids. Recently, Dr. Penninger’s team has identified a trial drug that can significantly block early stages of COVID-19 infection in human blood vessel and kidney organoids. Featured Products and Resources: COVID-19 Round UpCOVID Drugs Cause Heart Abnormalities – Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have been considered possible drugs for COVID-19. But patients treated with the drugs had prolonged QT intervals that can lead to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Monkeys Protected by COVID-19 Vaccine – For the first time, a COVID-19 vaccine candidate has protected rhesus macaques from being infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. New, Rapid COVID-19 Test – A new diagnostic test for COVID-19 has been established that uses CRISPR-Cas12 to identify the SARS-CoV-2 virus in samples in less than 40 minutes. SARS-CoV-2 Mapped Out – Investigators have generated a high-resolution map of the SARS-CoV-2 transcriptome and epitranscriptome, gaining insights into unknown RNA transcripts and RNA modification sites. Cell Likely Targeted by the COVID-19 Virus – Researchers have uncovered subsets of cells in the lung, the nasal passages, and the intestine that co-express ACE2 and TMPRSS2, which promote cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. Nose Cells Identified as Likely COVID-19 Virus Entry Point – High expression levels of two viral entry-associated genes have been found in nasal epithelial cells, highlighting the cells’ potential role in initial viral infection. Heart Model for COVID-19 Infection – To study cardiomyocyte-specific infection by SARS-CoV-2, scientists have developed a model system using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes that is susceptible to infection and expresses low levels of ACE2. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Josef Penninger Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 166: “Lung Regeneration” Featuring Dr. Darcy Wagner | 21 Apr 2020 | 01:07:25 | |
Guest:
Dr. Darcy Wagner is an Associate Professor in the Lung Bioengineering and Regeneration group at the Lund Stem Cell Center. Her team uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand how the extracellular environment directs stem cell behavior for endogenous and exogenous lung tissue regeneration. Featured Products and Resources: | |||
| Ep. 165: “Tackling Heart Disease” Featuring Dr. Deepak Srivastava | 07 Apr 2020 | 01:25:56 | |
Among his many appointments, Dr. Deepak Srivastava is the President of the Gladstone Institutes and the International Society for Stem Cell Research, and co-founder of Tenaya Therapeutics. His lab investigates the gene networks that guide cardiogenesis by developing models of heart disease using patient-derived iPSCs and CRISPR technology. Featured Products and Resources:
Reconstructing the Human Developmental Clock – By using iPSCs to mimic signaling pathways active during early development, scientists have reconstructed the human segmentation clock to model somitogenesis. Transition from Progenitor to Mature Adipocyte – Investigators have shown that platelet-derived growth factor receptors, which are markers of adipocyte progenitors, are cell-autonomous inhibitors of adipocyte differentiation. Exploiting Vulnerabilities in Pancreatic Cancer – A senescence-inducing therapy has been shown to sensitize therapy-resistant pancreatic tumors to checkpoint blockade drugs by causing vascular remodeling. Lessons in Graft Remodeling – Combining a clinical trial, computational studies and a sheep model, researchers have found that stenosis caused by tissue-engineered vascular grafts could resolve spontaneously, and provides insight for future graft design. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Deepak Srivastava Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 164: “iPSCs and Highly Endangered Species” Featuring Dr. Jeanne Loring | 24 Mar 2020 | 01:01:08 | |
Guest:
Dr. Jeanne Loring is a Professor Emeritus and Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the Scripps Research Institute, and the Co-Founder of Aspen Neuroscience. Her lab works on a diverse range of projects using iPSCs, including developing cell replacement therapies for Parkinson’s disease, sending neural organoids into space, and partnering with the San Diego Zoo to make iPSCs from engangered species. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpHIV Cured with Stem Cell Transplant – A second patient has been cured of HIV through a stem cell transplantation from donor cells that did not express the CCR5 gene. Combining Methods to Diagnose Cancer – A new method to diagnose and classify lymphomas and leukemias has been developed that combines microscopy, mass cytometry and machine learning. 3D Cancer Model Reveals Drivers of Disease – Investigators have created a lung cancer-spheroid model, and performed CRISPR screens to identify drivers that are essential for cancer growth in 3D and in vivo, but not in 2D. Muscle Stem Cell Atlas – Researchers have used single-cell analysis to investigate the cell communication interactions involved in muscle repair, compiling the findings into a “cell atlas” of muscle regeneration. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Jeanne Loring Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 163: “Bone Tissue Regeneration” Featuring Dr. Joy Wu | 10 Mar 2020 | 01:02:25 | |
Guest:
Dr. Joy Wu is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford University, and a a board-certified endocrinologist. With both basic and translational research, her lab investigates stem cell therapies for bone formation and the prevention of cancer metastases to bone, as well as the bone marrow hematopoietic niche. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpDiabetes in Mice Cured with Stem Cells – By targeting the cytoskeleton, investigators were able to improve the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to pancreatic β cells, and reverse diabetes when transplanting the cells into mice. New CRISPR Tools for Knock-Ins – A new CRISPR tool, called CRISPR–HOT, enables fast and efficient generation of knock-in human organoids through non-homologous end joining. Making Humanized Organs in Pigs – Host endothelium in donor organs is a source of immune rejection. Researchers generated viable human-pig chimeric embryos whose endothelial cells were entirely human-derived. Scorpion Toxin to Target Brain Cancer – A clinical trial has been launched to evaluate a CAR T-cell therapy for glioblastoma that uses a scorpion venom peptide. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Joy Wu Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 162: “The Human Fetal Retina” Featuring Dr. Thomas Reh | 25 Feb 2020 | 01:10:44 | |
Guest:
Dr. Thomas Reh is a Professor of Biological Structure at the University of Washington School of Medicine. His lab is studying retinal development and disease using organoids, and developing methods of transplanting stem cells for retinal repair in non-human primates. Their goal is to stimulate more effective regeneration in the retina to restore vision in people that have lost their sight. Curing Cystic Fibrosis in Human Cells – Investigators have safely edited and repaired mutations in the CFTR gene using a Cas9 alternative in human cells derived from a cystic fibrosis intestinal organoid biobank. New Technique to Analyze Cancer Organoids – A new mass spectrometry technique has enabled the analysis of post-translational modifications and cell-type-specific signaling in intestinal organoids. Scientists Discover How the Intestine Heals Itself – Researchers have found that restoration of damaged intestinal stem cells is due to de-differentiation of their daughter cells, rather than through a reserve pool of stem cells. Improved Stem Cell Model of Early Developing Mouse Embryo – Scientists have developed a more advanced method for generating gastruloids – complex embryo-like structures developed from mouse embryonic stem cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Thomas Reh Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 161: “Generation of Functional and Mature Beta Cells” Featuring Priye Iworima | 11 Feb 2020 | 01:14:51 | |
Guest:
Priye Iworima is a PhD student at the University of British Columbia. Her project is focused on developing and optimizing a differentiation protocol for generating insulin-producing cells derived from stem cells that could be used as a potential therapy for type 1 diabetes. She is also working on optimizing process parameters to facilitate the large scale manufacturing of the cells. Featured Products and Resources:
Live Imaging of Stem Cells – For the first time, hematopoietic stem cells have been visualized in their native niche, without need for transplantation. Parkinson’s May Start before Birth – Using an iPSC-derived model of young-onset Parkinson’s, investigators have identified a molecular signature of the disease and a possible therapeutic target. Researchers Build a Better Lung Model – Researchers have used systems biology and machine learning to understand the development of hPSC-derived alveolar epithelial cells. Not “Brains in a Dish” – Scientists have shown that cortical organoids do not develop distinctive cell types or organization, thereby failing to model human brain development. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Priye Iworima Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 160: “Engineering Human Cardiac Muscle” Featuring Dr. Kacey Ronaldson-Bouchard | 28 Jan 2020 | 01:07:14 | |
Dr. Kacey Ronaldson-Bouchard is an Associate Research Scientist in the Laboratory for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering at Columbia University, focusing on biomedical engineering. She is also the co-founder of TARA Biosystems, which offers physiologically relevant human “heart-on-a-chip” tissue models for cardiac risk assessment and drug discovery applications. She also a strong supporter of initiatives that mentor young women to pursue STEM related fields. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpStrong Blood Vessel Graft Created – Vascular grafts have been engineered from iPSC-derived smooth muscle cells with comparable strength to the original blood vessels. New Method for Lung Regeneration – Through a procedure similar to bone marrow transplantation, investigators were able to induce lung regeneration without the need for chronic immune suppression. How Stress Causes Grey Hair – Scientists have discovered that stress activates sympathetic nerves that are part of the fight-or-flight response, driving the depletion of pigment-regenerating stem cells in hair follicles. Biodegradable Bridge for Nerve Injury – Researchers have created a biodegradable scaffold that releases a growth-promoting protein that can regenerate long sections of damaged nerves, without the need for transplanting cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Kacey Ronaldson-Bouchard Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 159: “Stem Cell Patterning by Automated Design” Featuring Dr. Todd McDevitt | 14 Jan 2020 | 01:37:33 | |
Guest:
Dr. Todd McDevitt is a Senior Investigator at the Gladstone Institutes. He is also Program Director of the University of California, San Francisco’s Bioengineering Graduate Program (joint with UC Berkeley), and a Professor at UCSF’s Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences. His research focuses on engineering 3D, multicellular systems that can be used to study principles of stem cell and developmental biology. Featured Products and Resources:
Improving Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury – Researchers have found that modulating the microenvironment of neurons after a spinal cord injury can improve the efficacy of neural progenitor cell grafts. Brain Organoids Reveal Glioblastoma Origins – Scientists have created a glioblastoma tumor cell atlas that demonstrates heterogeneity, and used cortical organoids to model tumor invasion. Single-Cell Profiling of the Human Heart – Investigators analyzed cells from normal, failed, and partially recovered human hearts at single cell resolution to better understand the cellular composition and interactions of the adult human heart. Engineering Chamber-Specific Heart Models – Clinically relevant engineered heart tissues were generated from hPSCs, and were successful in modeling cardiac disease. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Todd McDevitt Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 158: “Science Communication in Industry” Featuring Dr. Nicole Quinn | 24 Dec 2019 | 01:22:16 | |
Guest:
Dr. Nicole Quinn is the Associate Director of Scientific Communications at STEMCELL Technologies, and one of the people hard at work behind the scenes of the Stem Cell Podcast. After completing her PhD in genomics and discovering her love of communicating science, Nicole left the bench to pursue a science communications career in the biotech industry. She now oversees the comprehensive, globally-accessible science communication program at STEMCELL Technologies, including more than 20 weekly field-specific newsletters, a podcast, several community-focused websites, and almost 40 different social media channels. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpZika Vaccine Protects Fetus in Pregnant Monkeys – An experimental vaccine against the Zika virus reduced the amount of virus in pregnant rhesus macaques, and improved fetal outcomes. Treating Cystic Fibrosis with Gene Editing – Researchers used gene editing to correct a mutation in airway stem cells from cystic fibrosis patients, and were able to differentiate the cells in a pig model. Human Lung Blueprint – Scientists have created a cellular blueprint of the human lung, revealing several universal cell communication networks that drive specific functions. Circadian Rhythm Harnessed to Make Mature Islets – Investigators have found that circadian rhythms trigger epigenetic changes that enable the maturation of pancreatic islets from human stem cells. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Nicole Quinn Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 157: “Secrets of Hematopoiesis” Featuring Dr. Camilla Forsberg | 10 Dec 2019 | 01:00:49 | |
Dr. Camilla Forsberg is the Co-Director of the Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, and a Professor of Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her lab seeks to understand the molecular determinants of hematopoietic stem cell fate decisions to ultimately prevent and treat both genetic and acquired disorders of the hematopoietic system. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpStem Cell Therapy Helps Broken Hearts Heal in Unexpected Way – Cardiac stem cell therapy has been shown to enhance function in damaged hearts by triggering an inflammatory-based wound healing response, rather than by producing new cardiomyocytes. Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier Induces Cognitive Impairments – In a pair of papers, scientists have found that the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier during aging can result in dysfunctional brain electrical activity due to increased inflammation, causing microseizure-like events and cognitive decline. Revolutionizing Injury Recovery with Tendon Stem Cells – Investigators have discovered the existence of tendon stem cells that are able to generate new tenocytes. New Generation Exhaustion-Resistant CAR-T Cells – Researchers have identified a protein that, when overexpressed in CAR T cells, enables the cells to overcome exhaustion and increase their effectiveness. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Camilla Forsberg Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 156: “Engineering the Stem Cell Niche” Featuring Dr. Peter Zandstra | 26 Nov 2019 | 01:06:04 | |
Guest:
Dr. Peter Zandstra is the Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. His lab focuses on stem cell bioengineering, applying engineering design principles, computational modeling, and fundamental stem cell biology to study the mechanisms that control stem cell fate, and to develop technologies for the propagation of stem cells and their derivatives. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpAI Used to Predict Stem Cell Organization – Machine learning was used to predict and control the spatial organization of pluripotent stem cells. Hypoxia Regulates Lymphoid Development – Scientists have found that low O2 levels promotes lymphoid development in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Genetic Mutation Protects against Diabetes – Loss of function of a gene that encodes a zinc transporter protein has been found to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion from the pancreas. Important Role for Rare Cells in Hematopoiesis – Investigators have identified the importance of a rare population of endothelial cells for controlling hematopoiesis and regeneration after irradiation. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Peter Zandstra Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 155: “Mapping Hydra Development” Featuring Dr. Celina Juliano | 12 Nov 2019 | 01:06:30 | |
Guest:
Dr. Celina Juliano is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis. Her lab studies development and regeneration in the aquatic animal Hydra, which undergoes continual self-renewal, lacks senescence and has incredible regenerative capabilities. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpOct4 Not Needed for Creating iPSCs – Investigators have discovered that iPSCs can be created without expressing the transcription factor Oct4, which was previously considered vital for cellular reprogramming. Effect of Spaceflight on Heart Cells – When sent to the International Space Station, iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes readily adapted to microgravity by altering their gene expression, but returned to normal when back on Earth. Stem Cell Transplants Used to Grow Lungs – Scientists generated functional lungs in mice by transplanting stem cells into genetically defective mouse embryos. Lymphatic System Key in Hair Regeneration – Investigators have found that stem cells reshape their lymphatic niche to coordinate tissue regeneration. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Celina Juliano Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 154: “Cardiac Development and Disease” Featuring Dr. Rameen Shakur | 29 Oct 2019 | 01:24:24 | |
Guest:
Dr. Rameen Shakur is a Jansen Fellow in Cardiology and Personalized Medicine at the Koch Institute for Integrative Science at MIT, and the Founder of Cambridge Heartwear Ltd. His academic research focuses on modeling and understanding cardiac development using iPSCs. Insights from his basic and clinical research spurred the development of Cambridge Heartwear Ltd., a medical device and algorithm company that uses AI and computer science for cardiovascular health. Featured Products and Resources:
New and Improved Genome Editing Tool – A new DNA editing technique, called prime editing, has been developed that doesn’t require double-strand breaks or donor DNA templates, overcoming some of the limitations of CRISPR. Regulating Regeneration in Cold-Blooded Animals – Scientists have identified a gene that gives cold-blooded animals the ability to regenerate limbs, and suggest that the gene was lost by warm-blooded animals throughout evolution. Mapping the Brain Development of Great Apes – Using human and ape brain organoids, investigators have found that human brains develop more slowly than ape brains, and identified human-specific gene expression. Special Cells Help Regenerate Heart in Zebrafish – Researchers have identified a subset of cardiomyocytes in adult zebrafish that were shown to play a role in heart regeneration. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Rameen Shakur Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 153: “Signal Transduction in Stem Cells and Cancer” Featuring Dr. Stephane Angers | 15 Oct 2019 | 01:26:30 | |
Guest:
Dr. Stephane Angers is a Professor and Associate Dean of Research in the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. He is an expert in the field of signal transduction, working to understand the signaling mechanisms underlying the Wnt and Hedgehog families of growth factors and the large family of G protein-coupled receptors. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpFirst-Ever Map of the Developing Human Liver – Investigators have created the first-ever human developmental liver cell atlas, which provides insights into how the blood and immune systems develop. Engineering Vascularized Brain Organoids – Scientists have developed a method to induce vasculature in brain organoids, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery and allowing them to live longer. Improved Culture Method for Expanding Hematopoietic Stem Cells – Using a zwitterionic hydrogel, investigators achieved substantial expansion of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and may be used to improve the effectiveness of HSC therapies. Using Tumor Organoids to Predict Chemo Response – Researchers have developed a method to test drugs in tumor-derived organoids to determine how a cancer patient will respond to chemotherapy. Development of a Rectal Cancer Organoid Platform – The first human tumor-derived model for studying rectal cancer has been developed and was used to study the effects of chemoradiation. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Stephane Angers Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 152: “Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiomyopathy” Featuring Dr. Paul Burridge | 01 Oct 2019 | 01:19:15 | |
Guest:
Dr. Paul Burridge is a Professor in Pharmacology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Burridge’s lab uses human iPSCs and other next-gen technologies in pharmacogenomics, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. Currently, they are focusing on modeling chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy using hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts to study drug toxicity effects. Featured Products and Resources: The Stem Cell Science Round UpWorld’s First Three-Organoid System – Scientists have created a functional connected system of liver, pancreas and bile duct organoids, and used the system to study human endoderm organogenesis. Identifying Cancer-Related Mutations – Investigators have developed a strategy to identify cancer-related point mutations in primed and naive human PSCs. Senescence in Dopaminergic Neurons – A DNA binding protein has been shown to prevent cellular senescence in dopaminergic neurons, and loss of the protein may contribute to Parkinson’s disease. Gene Editing for Fanconi Anemia – Researchers have used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to correct mutations in HSCs from patients with Fanconi anemia. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Paul Burridge Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| The Stem Cell Podcast Does ISSCR – Part 3 | 24 Sep 2019 | 01:19:25 | |
Intro:
Back in June 2019, we attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s (ISSCR) annual conference in Los Angeles, California! Here is the last of three special episodes featuring interviews with some of the top researchers in the stem cell field, as well as with up-and-coming junior trainees who were challenged by Daylon to summarize their research in one minute. Junior Trainees:We asked junior trainees to summarize their research in only one minute. Take a listen to the episode, and vote in our Twitter poll for the researcher that did the best job! Hannah Black; Undergraduate Researcher Assistant, University of Southern California Dr. Justin Ichida, PhD; Assistant Professor, University of Southern California Dr. Irving Weissman, MD; Director, Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||
| Ep. 151: “Stem Cells and Aging” Featuring Dr. Pekka Katajisto | 17 Sep 2019 | 01:24:12 | |
Guest:
Dr. Pekka Katajisto is an Associate Professor at the University of Helsinki and at the Karolinska Institutet. His laboratory studies both stem cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms altering tissue renewal capacity, and how such mechanisms ultimately result in the functional decline we recognize as aging. They mainly focus on the intestinal epithelium, studying asymmetric cell division, cellular metabolism and cell fate, and the stem cell niche. Featured Products and Resources: Resources and LinksAn In-Vitro Model of Human Neurulation – A new reproducible, self-organizing model of human neurulation has been developed and used to model the early development of Huntington’s disease. 3D Printed Organ Building Blocks – Researchers have developed a biomanufacturing method using patient-specific organoids as building blocks to develop organ-specific tissues at therapeutic scales. Engineering a T Cell Therapy for Cancer – To increase the levels of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in cancer patients, scientists generated HSC-engineered iNKT cells which were able to suppress tumor growth in a mouse model. CAR T-Cell Therapy Harnessed to Treat Heart Disease – While T cell immunotherapy is typically used to treat certain cancers, investigators repurposed the technology to target cardiac fibrosis in mice. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Pekka Katajisto Subscribe to our newsletter!Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe | |||