The Stem Cell Podcast

Guest: Dr. Pinar Mesci is the Global Head of Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology at Axiom Space, where she manages a portfolio focused on biomedical research programs including stem cells, tissue engineering, disease modeling, cancer research, and DNA-inspired nanomaterials. She talks about her early career developing brain organoid models, transitioning to the space industry, and how microgravity affects biological systems. She also discusses the future of low Earth orbit research and how new technologies can be transferred back to Earth. (40:55) Featured Products and Resources: Submit your abstract for ISSCR 2026 by February 25th! Take your human pluripotent stem cell cultures further with mTeSR™ Plus from STEMCELL Technologies. The Stem Cell Science Round Up iPSC-Derived Ovarian Support Cells – Fertilo is an ovarian support cell product that improves the in vitro maturation rate of human oocytes. (1:25) Culturing HSPCs Ex Vivo – A nanoengineered 3D system improves HSPC multi-lineage differentiation and engraftment capacity. (13:30) Spinal Core Repair Scaffolds – A nanoengineered extrusion-aligned tract promotes axonal reconnection, synapse formation, and locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. (22:50) Vascularizing Retinal Organoids – Transient vascular support enhances survival of retinal ganglion cells in organoids. (32:14) Image courtesy of Dr. Pinar Mesci Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

Dr. Deepak Srivastava, President of the Gladstone Institutes, dives deep into congenital heart diseases and his groundbreaking research on cardiac development. He reveals insights from their study on Down syndrome and how it links to heart defects. The discussion includes innovative strategies for heart therapy delivery and the economics behind cell and gene therapies. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of using AI and organoids to uncover mechanisms of congenital diseases, stressing the need for creativity and collaboration in biomedical research.

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. 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. Mark Hatley, a leading researcher in pediatric oncology from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, dives deep into the genetic underpinnings of childhood cancers such as rhabdomyosarcoma. He unpacks how the PAX3-FOXO1 and DICER1 genes contribute to tumor formation. The discussion highlights the critical shift from animal models to human systems in cancer research, providing fresh insights into potential treatments. Hatley emphasizes the importance of understanding developmental biology to uncover innovative strategies for combating pediatric cancer.

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.

Dr. Hongkui Deng, Director of the Institute of Stem Cell Research at Peking University, and Dr. Candice Liew, Senior Scientist at Reprogenix Bioscience, share their groundbreaking work on chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (CiPSCs). They discuss a revolutionary patient trial using CiPSC-derived islets for type 1 diabetes and the challenges of immune tolerance. The pair also delve into advancements in chemical reprogramming and their potential to transform regenerative medicine, including innovative strategies for age reversal and enhanced disease treatment.