Ep. 281: “Fertility Treatments” Featuring Drs. Dina Radenkovic and Bruna Paulsen
Nov 12, 2024
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Dr. Bruna Paulsen, a leader in therapeutic development at Gameto, and Dr. Dina Radenkovic, co-founder and CEO, dive into revolutionary approaches to women's reproductive health. They discuss Fertilo, a groundbreaking platform that uses ovarian support cells to enhance IVF and egg freezing processes. The conversation also touches on the ethical dimensions of fertility treatments and the importance of addressing diverse patient needs. Their insights illuminate the future of assisted reproduction and the transformative potential of stem cell technology.
Gameto is innovating reproductive health by using iPSC-derived ovarian support cells to enhance egg maturation for safer, more efficient IVF.
Recent studies reveal that enhancing sleep quality after a heart attack aids recovery and limits cardiac inflammation through immune cell involvement.
Research suggests that cell differentiation occurs independently from cell division during early embryonic development, reshaping our understanding of stem cell biology.
Deep dives
The Impact of Sleep on Cardiac Recovery
Recent studies highlight the critical role of sleep in promoting recovery after a heart attack. Sleep acts as a self-protective mechanism, limiting cardiac inflammation and facilitating healing through various neural connections. Research showed that following a myocardial infarction (MI), immune cells known as monocytes are recruited to the brain, which then enhances sleep quality. Disruption of sleep during recovery worsens cardiac function, emphasizing the need for proper rest to safeguard heart health post-MI.
Advancements in CAR-T Therapy Using IPS Cells
Innovative research is focusing on improving CAR-T therapies through the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to generate mature T cells. By manipulating the EZH1 gene and utilizing a stroma-free protocol, researchers have shown promising results in producing T cells that mimic those found in peripheral blood. These advances could pave the way for more effective treatment of various cancers by expanding the availability of CAR-T therapies without the high costs and complexities associated with traditional methods. This progress signifies a substantial leap toward making cellular therapies more accessible and effective.
Mitigating Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Doxorubicin, a widely used cancer drug, is known for its cardiotoxic side effects, leading to significant heart complications in patients. Recent studies have identified glycolytic activation as a target for mitigating this toxicity in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Researchers discovered that inhibiting the enzyme CA12 provides protection against doxorubicin-induced damage and improves cell survival. This research not only advances our understanding of drug-induced heart issues but also aids in developing targeted therapies to minimize these side effects.
Understanding the Mechanics of Cellular Differentiation
Investigations into the relationship between cell division and differentiation reveal that the two processes are not as tightly linked as once believed. Research using zebrafish models shows that cell differentiation can proceed independently of cell division, challenging previous assumptions about embryonic development. This discovery lays the groundwork for understanding the mechanisms influencing cell fate decisions at a more granular level. Furthermore, it suggests that developmental timing may be less critical for certain cell types, opening up new avenues for stem cell research.
Innovations in Reproductive Medicine at Gamito
Gamito is at the forefront of applying stem cell technology to enhance reproductive medicine, particularly in in vitro fertilization (IVF). By developing a platform that uses iPSC-derived ovarian support cells, they aim to improve the egg maturation process while reducing the hormonal burden on women. Their approach has the potential to streamline IVF cycles, making them safer and more efficient. Additionally, Gamito's efforts extend toward addressing issues of infertility and menopause, showcasing their commitment to advancing women's health through innovative cell engineering.
Drs. Dina Radenkovic and Bruna Paulsen are Co-Founder & CEO and VP of Manufacturing and Therapeutic development at Gameto, a biotech company developing treatment solutions to improve women’s reproductive health. Their lead platform, Fertilo, uses ovarian support cells to mature oocytes outside of the body with the goal of making IVF and egg freezing shorter, safer, and more effective.
Minimizing Off-Target Toxicity – Researchers identified carbonic anhydrase 12 as a druggable target for doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
Cell Division in Differentiation – Researchers have shown that cell state transitions are decoupled from cell division during early embryo development.
Images courtesy of Drs. Dina Radenkovic and Bruna Paulsen
