The Stem Cell Podcast

Guest: Dr. Deepak Srivastava is the President of the Gladstone Institutes and Director of the Roddenberry Stem Cell Center. His lab is focused on the gene networks that guide cardiac development. He talks about their recent work investigating heart defects in Down syndrome and strategies for delivering therapies to the heart. He also talks about how to incentivize the development and commercialization of cell and gene therapies. (41:50) Featured Products and Resources: Submit your abstract for ISSCR 2026! STEMdiff™ Ventricular Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Kit The Stem Cell Science Round Up Heart and Ganglion Development – Researchers fused human sympathetic ganglion organoids and heart-forming organoids to construct functional connections between the sympathetic ganglia and the heart. (2:38) Periportal Liver Assembloids – Patient-specific periportal liver assembloids retain the histological arrangement, gene expression, and cell interactions of periportal liver tissue. (9:40) PIEZO1 and Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity – Restoring endothelial PIEZO1 protects against tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced hypertension and cardiac dysfunction. (19:28) Somite and Neural Tube Co-Development – Scientists developed human trunk-like structures that have morphologically organized somites and a neural tube that form through self-organized, endogenous signaling. (28:43) Image courtesy of Dr. Deepak Srivastava Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. Hans Clevers, a leading expert in molecular genetics, discusses the fascinating world of epithelial organoids, including innovative projects like snake lung organoids. He shares insights on the transition from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the complexities of developing cell therapies. Clevers also touches on the importance of simplicity in research, the value of organoids for drug testing, and the significance of mentorship and collaboration in scientific success.

Dr. Thomas Vierbuchen, an Assistant Professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, explores the intricacies of neural development through pluripotent stem cells. He discusses the advantages of 2D cultures versus complex organoids for research reproducibility. Vierbuchen recounts the surprising journey of direct reprogramming from fibroblasts to neurons and the challenges faced in translating these techniques to human cells. He also highlights the importance of understanding embryogenesis and the intriguing question of how organs determine their size.

Dr. Sumru Bayin, a Group Leader at the Gurdon Institute, dives into the fascinating world of regeneration in the neonatal cerebellum. She discusses her groundbreaking research on Bergmann glia plasticity and how it impacts neuronal regeneration post-injury. Bayin also highlights the challenges in reactivating stem cell programs in adults and the innovative use of modified RNAs to improve neuronal proliferation while mitigating tumor risks. Her work, influenced by her training, emphasizes the potential for therapeutic advances in regenerative medicine.

Dr. Juan Melero-Martin, an Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Cardiac Surgery at Boston Children's Hospital, dives into vascular biology and regenerative medicine. He discusses groundbreaking findings on mitochondrial transfer from MSCs to endothelial cells and its role in enhancing cell function. Juan explains strategies for generating vascular organoids and the importance of transcription factors like ETV2 in differentiating endothelial cells. He also reflects on mentorship in Boston's vibrant research community and the excitement surrounding advancements in cell therapies.

Dr. Carole LaBonne, the Erastus Otis Haven Professor at Northwestern University, specializes in neural crest stem cells and their evolutionary significance. She discusses how these cells contribute to vertebrate traits and their potential in treating conditions like Hirschsprung disease. Carole emphasizes the importance of basic science funding for clinical progress and shares insights on overcoming barriers in scientific inquiry. Additionally, she stresses the balance between family and career, advocating for a more humanized approach to science.

Dr. Paul Tesar, Director of the Institute for Glial Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, dives into his research on oligodendrocyte maturation and environmental chemicals that hinder glial development. He discusses the importance of mentorship in shaping future scientists and the creation of Convelo, a company aimed at translating lab discoveries into therapies. Tesar also shares insights on balancing high-throughput screens to foster innovation, all while emphasizing his dedication to the community and collaborative opportunities at his institution.

Dr. Lars Velten, a Group Leader at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, delves into intriguing research on gene regulation and hematopoiesis. He discusses the role of cell-state-specific enhancers and innovative lineage tracing techniques that reveal insights into blood aging. Velten also explores the integration of generative AI with traditional lab methods, emphasizing the importance of taking risks in basic research. Plus, he shares his perspective on the potential applications of his work beyond hematopoiesis.

Dr. Alice Soragni, an Associate Professor at UCLA, delves into her groundbreaking research on patient-derived organoids and their potential in drug screening. She shares insights on her transition from structural biology to focus on protein aggregation in rare diseases. The discussion also touches on innovative advancements in organoid technology for personalized cancer treatment and the role of social media in enhancing scientific communication. Soragni highlights the importance of collaboration in driving impactful research.

Discover the fascinating world of kidney organoids and their potential in regenerative medicine. Dr. Zhongwei Li sheds light on nephron progenitor cells and drug discovery for polycystic kidney disease. The podcast delves into innovative embryo models developed from pluripotent stem cells without transgenes, revolutionizing our understanding of early development. Explore groundbreaking hypoimmune CAR T cell therapies that promise to change cancer treatment and learn about efforts to reconstruct pancreatic islet organoids for diabetes management.