The Stem Cell Podcast

Guest: Dr. Carole LaBonne is the Erastus Otis Haven Professor of Molecular Biosciences at Northwestern University. Her lab studies the genesis of neural crest stem cells at the level of the signaling pathways and transcription factors that comprise the neural crest gene regulatory network. They also study how these mechanisms contribute to exit from pluripotency and the subsequent lineage restriction of neural crest cells to their derivative cell types that collectively define vertebrates. (39:45) Featured Products and Resources: Save time and stay current with ESC & iPSC News. Generate high-purity neural crest precursors from hPSCs with the STEMdiff Neural Crest Differentiation Kit. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Creating Modified Cows and Sheep from Haploid Stem Cells – Scientists have successfully derived haploid androgenetic ESCs from cattle and sheep, and have developed a novel method to generate offspring from these cells. (4:33) Embryonic Stem Cells from Birds – Researchers have succeeded in deriving and maintaining authentic ESCs from chickens and seven other bird species. (13:48) Mutation Hotspots Reveal Spermatogonia Clonal Growth – As men age, harmful genetic mutations in sperm not only accumulate but are also favored during sperm production, giving them a reproductive advantage. (20:35) Canine iPSC Technology – Researchers have established culture conditions for canine iPSCs. (31:10) Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Carole LaBonne Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

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.

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. Jeanne Loring, Co-founder of Aspen Neuroscience and Professor Emeritus at Scripps Research, shares fascinating insights from her work on autologous cell therapies. She discusses innovative methods for generating gametes from the endangered northern white rhinoceros and the recent successes in Parkinson's disease trials. Loring unveils her project sending stem cells into space, exploring microgravity's effects on neuroscience. She emphasizes the vital need for genetic diversity in iPSC lines and the ethical considerations in stem cell research.

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.

In June 2025, we attended ISSCR 2025, the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, in Hong Kong. We spoke with delegates about their research, their impressions of the meeting, and the most memorable research presented. They also discussed their experiences exploring Hong Kong. Featured Products and Resources: Wallchart: Reporting Practices for Publishing Results with hPSCs Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe

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.