Ep. 24: Sperm Stem Cells Featuring Dr. Marco Seandel
Aug 4, 2014
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Dr. Marco Seandel, a researcher from Weill Cornell Medical College, discusses his groundbreaking work on spermatogonial stem cells and how they reveal mutations in aged male sperm. He dives into the implications of paternal age on genetic disorders, such as Apert syndrome. The conversation is rich with insights on stem cell behavior and the balance of mutations in sperm development. Alongside humor, they touch on the challenges of collecting tissue samples and the inequities faced by researchers in academia, making for an engaging exploration of science.
Dr. Marco Seandel's research reveals that paternal age influences genetic mutations in sperm stem cells, affecting offspring health.
The episode explores how maternal experiences can shape offspring behavior and genetic programming through olfactory cues.
Ethical considerations surrounding the collection of human tissues for research emphasize the need for responsible conduct and individual autonomy.
Deep dives
Understanding Sperm Stem Cells
The episode features a discussion about sperm stem cells, specifically spermatogonial stem cells, and their significance in understanding paternal age and its implications on offspring health. Dr. Marco Sandel from Weill Cornell is highlighted for his research on these stem cells, emphasizing how their behavior can be influenced by environmental factors. His recent paper describes the relationship between paternal age-associated mutations and the fitness of sperm stem cells, suggesting that older fathers may pass on certain genetic mutations that affect their children. This topic diverges from typical discussions surrounding stem cells, making it an intriguing focus for the episode.
Research on Learned Fear in Offspring
The podcast covers research showing how newborns can inherit fear responses from their mothers through olfactory cues. In experiments with rats, pups exposed to their fearful mothers' scent after a negative stimulus developed a fear response themselves. This phenomenon highlights the interplay between maternal experiences and offspring behavior, demonstrating the influence of environmental signals on genetic programming and emotional responses. The findings were linked to increased levels of cortisol in the pups, indicating a biological basis for the learned fear through olfaction.
The Role of FGF and Genetic Mutations
Discussion shifts to the role of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and their mutations in spermatogonial stem cells. The mutants may provide a competitive advantage by enhancing signaling pathways crucial for stem cell proliferation and survival. This aspect of the research reveals how specific genetic mutations can lead to increased fitness in sperm stem cells under certain environmental conditions, particularly when growth factors like FGF are limited. The complexity of this process signifies the need for further study on how these mutations influence reproductive health and genetic risk factors in offspring.
Cultural and Ethical Considerations in Stem Cell Research
The podcast discusses the ethical implications and cultural perceptions surrounding the collection of human tissues for research, particularly focusing on testicular specimens. It highlights the logistical challenges faced by researchers when transporting sensitive biological materials, often leading to humorous yet thought-provoking situations. The discussion serves to underscore the importance of consent and responsible conduct in scientific research, as well as the social implications of using human tissues. In a broader context, this raises questions about the ethical considerations needed to advance science while respecting individual autonomy.
Future Prospects in Stem Cell Therapy
The episode concludes with insights into the potential future of stem cell therapy and its application in regenerative medicine. Dr. Sandel expresses optimism about the use of stem cells in treating vascular disorders, citing their accessibility and the possibility of engineering vessels for therapeutic purposes. This area of research may lead to significant advancements in how we utilize stem cells for clinical applications, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of their capabilities. This forward-looking perspective encourages a focus on innovation and collaboration in the field of stem cell research.
Guest:
Dr. Marco Seandel from Weill Cornell Medical College joins the hosts to talk about his latest paper published in Stem Cell Reports, where he used sperm stem cells to uncover novel info about mutations in aged male sperm.
Resources and Links
Learning The Smell Of Fear: Mothers Teach Babies Their Own Fears Via Odor, Animal Study Shows
The Habenula Encodes Negative Motivational Value Associated with Primary Punishment in Humans
A Highly Abundant Bacteriophage Discovered in the Unknown Sequences of Human Faecal Metagenomes
Mysterious X-rays Might Hint at Dark Matter
Researchers Find First Sign that Tyrannosaurs Hunted in Packs
The Black Death in China
Longitudinal Changes in Total Brain Volume in Schizophrenia: Relation to Symptom Severity, Cognition and Antipsychotic Medication
Junk Food Could Destroy Your Sense of SMELL, Scientists Warn
Mechanisms of CFTR Functional Variants That Impair Regulated Bicarbonate Permeation and Increase Risk for Pancreatitis but Not for Cystic Fibrosis
Genetic Cause of Common Breast Tumors Found
Lawsuit Claims Stem Cells Unsafe
California's Stem Cell Scandal Gets Worse
Sugar Mimic Helps Embryonic Stem Cells Develop Toward Nerve Cells
Teeth Sprout from Glia-Derived Stem Cells
Stem Cell Research Could Lead to New Muscle Repair Treatments
Stem Cell Therapy Could Lead to HIV Cure
Functional and Molecular Defects of Hipsc-Derived Neurons from Patients with ATM Deficiency
Spider Silk for Xeno-Free Long-Term Self-Renewal and Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Role of Astroglia in Down's Syndrome Revealed by Patient-Derived Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Generation Of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From Virus Freein Vivo Reprogramming of BALB/C Mouse Liver Cells
Gene Expression Variability as a Unifying Element of the Pluripotency Network
Enhanced Fitness of Adult Spermatogonial Stem Cells Bearing a Paternal Age-Associated FGFR2 Mutation
Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Marco Seandel
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