Ep. 282: “Whole-Body Regeneration” Featuring Dr. Mansi Srivastava
Nov 26, 2024
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Dr. Mansi Srivastava, a Professor at Harvard and Curator at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, dives into the fascinating world of whole-body regeneration using the three-banded panther worm. She reveals how her lab traces adult stem cell lineages and the worm's remarkable ability to regrow organs and even brains. The discussion highlights the importance of diverse model organisms in regenerative medicine and her outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring young scientists. Prepare for a journey through evolution, regeneration, and the future of science communication!
Dr. Mansi Srivastava's research with the three-banded panther worm reveals insights into adult pluripotent stem cells and their regenerative capabilities.
The podcast highlights the evolutionary relevance of studying diverse organisms to uncover common genetic pathways governing regeneration and pluripotency.
Dr. Srivastava emphasizes the importance of scientific outreach, training educators to incorporate evolutionary biology and genetics into their classrooms.
Deep dives
Groundbreaking Research on iPSC-Derived Corneal Epithelial Cells
A landmark study from Japan demonstrates the potential of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived corneal epithelial cells in treating limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), a severe condition that can lead to blindness. This first-in-human trial involved four patients and focused on transplanting corneal epithelial cell sheets derived from allogeneic iPSCs into affected eyes. Preliminary findings indicate that while the safety profile showed a number of mild adverse events, there were no serious complications, and initial efficacy results suggest improvements in vision and reduction of corneal opacification. The study highlights Japan’s leadership in iPSC research and sets the stage for future, more extensive clinical trials.
The Evolution of Stem Cells and Regeneration
The podcast discusses the evolutionary significance of pluripotent stem cells, using the three-banded panther worm as a model organism that showcases remarkable regenerative abilities. Dr. Mansi Srivastava’s research investigates how these worms utilize adult pluripotent stem cells to regenerate lost body parts, such as the head or tail, through a well-coordinated genetic response. This scientific inquiry into non-mammalian systems presents new perspectives on regeneration and pluripotency, challenging the notion that these traits are exclusive to early mammalian embryonic stages. The findings may provide insights into the mechanisms behind stem cell functionality and preservation in other species, including humans.
Comparative Analysis of Regeneration Across Species
The conversation emphasizes the importance of comparative studies across various species to understand the mechanisms of regeneration and pluripotency. By focusing on distantly related organisms like the panther worm and planarians, researchers can identify conserved genetic pathways that regulate development and regeneration. This approach answers critical questions about whether regeneration mechanisms are universally applicable or unique to certain lineages, thus contributing to a broader understanding of evolutionary biology. The work exemplifies how studying these organisms can shed light on regeneration processes relevant in human biology, potentially leading to advances in regenerative medicine.
Innovative Stem Cell Outreach and Education
Dr. Srivastava’s lab is dedicated to promoting science communication and education through innovative outreach efforts, including workshops for middle school teachers. These workshops train educators to perform simple genetic analyses using everyday grocery items, bridging the gap between evolutionary biology and practical lab work. Such initiatives not only engage students but also demystify science, making it more accessible and relatable. The program exemplifies the commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists and highlights the role of educators in fostering a love for science.
Challenges in Establishing New Regenerative Models
The process of developing a novel model system for studying regeneration, such as the panther worm, entails numerous challenges, including ensuring adequate care, understanding feeding habits, and establishing genetic tools. Dr. Srivastava candidly shares her experience of initially struggling to culture the worms and adapt them to laboratory life, which involved trial and error with various feeding strategies. Overcoming these hurdles required collaboration with taxonomists and fieldwork to collect specimens in their natural habitat. This persistence ultimately paved the way for significant discoveries about adult pluripotent stem cells and their role in regeneration.
Dr. Mansi Srivastava is Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. Her lab uses distantly related species to study evolution and regeneration. She talks about establishing Hofstenia miamia, or the three-banded panther worm, as a model system. She also discusses her lab’s work on adult stem cell lineage tracing and whole-body regeneration in Hofstenia, as well as her scientific outreach efforts.
NODAL Signaling in Embryo Development – NODAL signaling is active in the human blastocyst, but is not required to initiate or maintain the pluripotent epiblast.
