The Stem Cell Podcast

Dr. Samantha Morris, an Associate Professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, dives into the fascinating world of gene regulatory networks and cell identity. She shares her groundbreaking work on manipulating genetic pathways and measuring cell fate transitions. The discussion highlights the complexities of direct reprogramming and innovative tools like CellNet. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration in stem cell research and reflects on the evolving landscape of funding and mentorship in the scientific community.

Dr. Alfonso Martinez Arias, a CREA Research Professor at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, shares his journey in developmental biology. He delves into the fascinating world of gastruloids, innovative embryo-like structures, and their potential in organ model development. The discussion also covers resilient tuft cells in the human intestine and their surprising regenerative abilities. Additionally, cutting-edge insights on aging neural stem cells and the role of CRISPR in enhancing their function spark intrigue, emphasizing the future of regenerative health.

Dr. Behzad Yeganeh, an Associate Scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, dives into the complexities of lung development and neonatal lung diseases. He shares fascinating insights into the mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis, vital for understanding lung health. The conversation spans the challenges of premature lung disease and innovative approaches such as using mesenchymal stem cells for therapy. Yeganeh's journey from cancer biology to regenerative medicine reveals a promising path for improving neonatal care.

Dr. Dmitriy Sheyn, an Associate Professor at Cedars-Sinai, specializes in developing stem cell therapies for musculoskeletal disorders. He delves into innovative modeling of disc degeneration and tendon injuries. The conversation highlights his lab’s groundbreaking work on tendon differentiation and insights into low back pain mechanisms. By discussing the urgent need for stem cell solutions for orthopedic conditions, Dr. Sheyn offers a compelling vision for the future of regenerative medicine and the potential impact on patient care.

Dr. Ludovic Vallier, a leading expert in stem cells from the Berlin Institute of Health, shares groundbreaking insights into liver organogenesis. He discusses modeling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and how his lab transitioned to researching SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. Vallier explains the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for liver regeneration after injury. The conversation also sheds light on the innovative therapies being developed for liver diseases and the collaboration happening within Germany's scientific community.

Dr. Ziyuan Guo, an Assistant Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, dives into the fascinating world of brain organoids and their role in studying neurological disorders. He shares insights on in vivo reprogramming and cell therapies, mentioning the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells. Guo discusses innovative organoid modeling techniques, particularly for celiac disease, and the challenge of translating research into therapies. He also touches on the unique collaborative environment fostering cutting-edge organoid research at his institution, blending his passions for art and science.

Dr. Irving Weissman, a Stanford University professor credited with isolating mammalian blood-forming stem cells, shares groundbreaking insights on hematopoiesis and cancer. He discusses innovative treatments for metastatic breast cancer and severe combined immunodeficiency. The conversation dives into myeloid bias in aging, the complexities of blood cell development, and the ethical challenges in stem cell research. Weissman also emphasizes the importance of translating scientific discoveries into effective therapies, highlighting the intersection of science, ethics, and commercialization.

In July 2024, we attended ISSCR 2024, the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, in Hamburg, Germany. We spoke with delegates about their research, their impressions of the meeting, and the most memorable research presented. They discussed their experiences in Europe and where they would like to see the meeting go next.

Dr. Catriona Jamieson, Director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, and Dr. Davide Marotta, Program Director at the ISS National Laboratory, share insights on stem cell research in microgravity. They explore the unique challenges of culturing cells in space and discuss how microgravity impacts stem cell growth and aging. They also highlight the exciting opportunities presented by private spaceflight and the transformative nature of collaboration in overcoming scientific failures. Their conversation sheds light on the future of stem cell therapies in this new frontier.

Discover the fascinating intersection of stem cell research and space as scientists explore microgravity's impact on biology. Delve into the ethical dilemmas of fetal tissue research and the urgent need for clear guidelines. Hear about promising advancements in gene therapy for SCID, and inspiring narratives from patient advocates in spinal cord injury treatments. The emotional power of personal stories shines through, reminding us of the real-life implications of scientific progress, as researchers celebrate resilience and the future of stem cell therapy.