The Stem Cell Podcast

Ep. 299: “Spinal Cord Development” Featuring Dr. James Briscoe

Jul 8, 2025
Dr. James Briscoe, a Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute and Editor-In-Chief of Development, dives into spinal cord development. He shares insights on the molecular mechanisms that fuel embryonic research, highlighting the role of neural organoids in simulating human trunk formation. The conversation also touches on advances in RNA sequencing and the development of vascular organoids for studying diseases. Briscoe emphasizes the importance of collaborative research and the evolving landscape of scientific publishing.
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INSIGHT

Exploring Spinal Cord Development

  • The Briscoe Lab focuses on how cells know their precise location, timing, and numbers during spinal cord development.
  • They combine molecular, genomic, computational, and stem cell model systems to study development across scales.
INSIGHT

Decoding Morphogen Gradients

  • Cells actively interpret morphogen gradients through gene regulatory networks rather than passively receiving signals.
  • Computational and mathematical models help decode how cells translate morphogen concentrations into distinct gene expression.
INSIGHT

Timing Enables Notochord Formation

  • Human trunk organoids lacked notochord until precise timing of TGF-beta signaling was identified as critical.
  • Introducing 24-hour nodal and BMP signaling followed by inhibition enabled notochord formation alongside neural and mesoderm tissues in 3D cultures.
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