Ep. 277: “Lung Development” Featuring Dr. Behzad Yeganeh
Oct 1, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Behzad Yeganeh, an Associate Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, dives into the complexities of lung development and neonatal lung diseases. He shares fascinating insights into the mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis, vital for understanding lung health. The conversation spans the challenges of premature lung disease and innovative approaches such as using mesenchymal stem cells for therapy. Yeganeh's journey from cancer biology to regenerative medicine reveals a promising path for improving neonatal care.
Understanding the mechanisms of lung development is essential for improving therapeutic strategies for neonatal lung diseases, especially in premature infants.
Chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have shown promising results in treating type 1 diabetes, indicating their potential for future therapies.
Research is underway to use iPSCs derived from giant panda fibroblasts to aid conservation efforts, showcasing their applicability in biodiversity restoration.
Deep dives
Mechanisms of Lung Development and Neonatal Lung Diseases
Research into the mechanisms of lung development and neonatal lung diseases is vital for improving outcomes for premature infants. The speaker highlights how the intricacies of lung physiology, particularly in the alveolar regions, impact therapeutic strategies., especially considering the significant challenges posed by conditions like bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Understanding these mechanisms can help identify better therapeutic strategies to mitigate lung injury in neonates. Current approaches include utilizing mesenchymal stem cells for potential applications in treating early lung injury caused by interventions such as mechanical ventilation.
Advancements in Chemical-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
The discussion emphasizes a major breakthrough in the use of chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to develop therapies for type 1 diabetes. A significant study showcased the successful application of these iPSCs in a patient who underwent an autologous transplantation with chemically induced islet-like cells. Remarkably, this patient achieved sustained insulin independence for over two months, highlighting the potential of this new approach. The findings encourage further exploration and larger clinical trials to verify the long-term efficacy and safety of iPSC-based interventions.
Conservation Efforts Through Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Research aimed at conserving endangered species, such as the giant panda, is exploring the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Scientists have derived iPSCs from giant panda fibroblasts to eventually create germ cells and aid in population restoration. This effort ties into the broader concept of using iPSCs in species conservation and biodiversity efforts. Although the approach is still in preliminary stages, it signifies a promising direction for advancing conservation biology.
The Role of Autophagy in Lung Health
The relationship between autophagy and lung health is discussed, particularly in the context of development and injury response. Autophagy plays a crucial role in regulating apoptosis during lung development, particularly in neonates facing injury from treatments like oxygen therapy. Investigating these pathways could lead to targeted therapies that improve lung function in premature infants. While promising, the research needs to translate into practical therapies that can be applied clinically to tackle lung diseases effectively.
The Importance of Quality Control in Stem Cell Therapies
Quality control challenges in stem cell therapies, particularly with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are critically examined. Despite advancements, issues of tumorigenicity and genetic instability persist, necessitating rigorous quality control measures. The drawbacks related to iPSCs drive interest towards adult stem cells, which are deemed safer and more established but face challenges in scalability. The discussion underlines the need for further exploration of adult stem cell potential to ensure safe and effective therapies in regenerative medicine.
Dr. Behzad Yeganeh is an Associate Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute and the University of Ottawa. His work focuses on lung development and injury. He talks about neonatal lung diseases and the mechanisms that regulate autophagy and apoptosis.
Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes – Chemically induced PSC-derived islets were transplanted into a patient and led to insulin-independent glycemic control.
Giant Panda iPSCs – Primary fibroblast cells were isolated from the giant panda and used to generate iPSCs.
