Podcast
The Stem Cell Podcast
Hosted by The Stem Cell Podcast · EN
A podcast dedicated to culturing knowledge in stem cell research. Brought to you by STEMCELL Technologies.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 321: “Decoding Blood Stem Cells” Featuring Dr. Vijay Sankaran
1w ago01:14:25Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Vijay Sankaran is a Professor at Harvard Medical School and Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He discusses how his lab uses human genetics and stem cell biology to uncover mechanisms regulating hematopoiesis and blood disease, including the discovery of key regulators such as BCL11A and HOTSCRAMBL. He also explores how advances in genome editing, stem cell engineering, and single-cell genomics are shaping new therapies for disorders such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and leukemia, while highlighting the challenges of translating these breakthroughs into scalable patient treatments. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR 2026 to catch the latest breakthroughs Learn to confidently apply the ISSCR Standards for Human Stem Cell Use The Stem Cell Science Round Up Building Pancreatic Cancer Models – A stem cell-derived organoid model reveals genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving human pancreatic cancer initiation. Functional Cancer Stem Cell Assays – Researchers have developed a microwell platform that enables rapid enrichment of breast cancer stem cells for personalized drug testing. Human Pacemaker Assembloids – A human cardiac assembloid model recreates neural control of pacemaker activity and atrial conduction. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Vijay Sankaran. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 320: “Cancer Under Pressure” Featuring Dr. Meenal Datta
3w ago01:30:45Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Meenal Datta is an Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame and leader of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment Mechanics (TIME) Lab. She discusses how mechanical forces within tumors shape cancer progression and immune responses, with a focus on glioblastoma. She highlights how immunomechanics and mechanobiology influence tumor growth, treatment resistance, and immune cell function, and explores how space-based research and microgravity models can uncover new insights and therapeutic strategies for cancer. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR 2026 and be part of the global conversation shaping the future of stem cell research. Strengthen reproducibility of hPSCs with this free, on-demand training course offered by STEMCELL Technologies and the ISSCR. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Why the Heart Resists Cancer – Researchers have discovered that mechanical load in the heart suppresses cancer cell proliferation via mechanotransduction and chromatin remodeling. HOTSCRAMBL Shapes Stem Cell Fate – A genetic variant disrupts the lncRNA HOTSCRAMBL, reducing HSC self-renewal and impairing leukemia growth. AI-Driven Drug Repurposing – Deep learning and organoid screening identified azole drugs that rescue neuronal defects in Leigh syndrome. Modeling the Menstrual Cycle – An organoid-based model recreates the menstrual cycle and identifies WNT7A as key for endometrial regeneration. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Meenal Datta. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 319: “Building Better iPSCs” Featuring Dr. Andrew Gaffney
Apr 2801:11:31Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Andrew Gaffney is Vice President, iPSC Platform at STEMCELL Technologies. In this episode, he discusses how his team is advancing pluripotent stem cell applications through high-quality iPSC line development, gene editing, organoid production, and GMP manufacturing for translational and clinical use. He also highlights key challenges in the field, including reproducibility, standardization, genetic diversity, and freedom-to-operate considerations, and explains how these factors impact the path from basic research to commercialization. Featured Products and Resources: Explore STEMCELL Technologies’ one-stop resource for organoids. Join us at ISSCR 2026 and be part of the global conversation shaping the future of stem cell research. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Transgene-Free Gastrulation Model – Scientists have produced a transgene-free stem cell model that recreates key features of human peri-gastrulation, including germ layer formation and early hematopoiesis. Engineering Antibody-Producing Stem Cells – CRISPR-edited hematopoietic stem cells generate B cells that produce durable, protective antibodies following vaccination. Safeguarding Chemical Reprogramming – Investigators have found that p53 is required for efficient chemical reprogramming by maintaining genomic stability and regulating early cell state transitions. Targeting Barriers to Cardiac Repair – Knockdown of calreticulin enhances cardiac reprogramming and improves heart repair after injury. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Andrew Gaffney Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 318: “Modeling Reproduction and Endocrinology” Featuring Dr. Kotaro Sasaki
Apr 1401:33:58Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Kotaro Sasaki is an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, he discusses how his lab uses human pluripotent stem cells to model germ cell development and endocrine organs such as the testis and adrenal gland. He highlights progress toward in vitro gametogenesis, including generating spermatogonial-like cells and reconstructing testicular environments, as well as recent advances in building adrenal organoids with zonal architecture. He also explores the scientific, translational, and ethical challenges of creating functional human gametes, and emphasizes the importance of developmental biology in guiding stem cell-based approaches. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart on the derivation and applications of hPSCs. Take your human pluripotent stem cell cultures further with mTeSR™ Plus from STEMCELL Technologies. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Stage-Specific Cell Competition – Cell competition in gastruloids is stage-specific and driven by relative p53 levels during pluripotency exit. Modeling Pediatric Brain Tumors – Scientists have enabled robust generation and drug testing of patient-derived pediatric brain tumor organoids. Immune Reprogramming in Heart Failure – Engineered dendritic cells reduce cardiac fibrosis and improve heart function by modulating immune responses. Overcoming Hypoxia in Islets – Inhibiting zinc transport enhances stem cell–derived islet survival and function by improving angiogenesis and hypoxia resistance. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Kotaro Sasaki. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 317: “Engineering the Human Heart” Featuring Dr. Aitor Aguirre
Mar 3101:21:28Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Aitor Aguirre is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and Director of the Stem Cell Core. In this episode, he discusses how his lab uses pluripotent stem cells and cardiac organoids to model human heart development and disease. He highlights the role of self-organization and bioengineering in building complex heart models, including assembloids with immune and neural components, and their applications in studying conditions like atrial fibrillation. He also shares perspectives on open science, collaboration, and training the next generation of scientists. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart on the directed differentiation of hPSCs. Explore STEMCELL Technologies’ collection of technical videos and webinars on neurological disease modeling. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Modeling West Nile Encephalitis – Human cerebral organoids effectively model West Nile virus encephalitis and its associated neuronal damage and inflammation. New Therapy for Leigh Syndrome – Researchers identified sildenafil as a potential treatment for Leigh syndrome. Epigenetic Landscapes of Breast Cancer – Patient-derived organoids reveal epigenetic subtypes of breast cancer, including a metastasis-specific group. Unexpected Totipotency in Hofstenia – Hofstenia embryos retain surprising totipotency and plasticity despite early fate-specifying cleavage. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Aitor Aguirre Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 316: “Primate Embryogenesis” Featuring Dr. Thorsten Boroviak
Mar 1701:25:20Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Thorsten Boroviak is an Assistant Professor at the University of Cambridge and a member of the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. He discusses how stem cell–based embryo models are helping researchers study early human and primate development, including implantation and gastrulation. He also talks about using primate systems such as marmoset to understand human development, the role of biomechanics and extraembryonic tissues in embryogenesis, and the ethical considerations surrounding embryo models and emerging technologies like in vitro gametogenesis. Featured Products and Resources: Explore a basic overview of organoids and resources to support your organoid culture. Explore STEMCELL Technologies’ collection of technical videos and webinars on neurological disease modeling. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Mitophagy Controls Blood Stem Cells – Embryonic blood stem cells expand while staying multipotent thanks to tightly controlled ROS levels regulated by developmental mitophagy. SLC4A3 Variants Drive Arrhythmia Risk – Mutations in SLC4A3 raise intracellular pH in heart cells, which shortens electrical signals and increases the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. HSC Dynamics After Myeloablation – After chemotherapy, blood stem cells briefly boost differentiation to rebuild the blood system before returning to normal. Modeling Duchenne Cardiomyopathy – Scientists generated heart organoids from Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient stem cells that mimic cardiomyopathy. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Thorsten Boroviak. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 315: “Advanced Stem Cell-Based Models” Featuring Drs. Shuibing Chen and Hans Clevers
Mar 301:12:06Tap to summarizeGuest: Drs. Shuibing Chen and Hans Clevers, members of the Steering Committee for the ISSCR Consortium on Advanced Stem Cell-Based Models in Drug Discovery and Development, discuss the need to accelerate the responsible integration of stem cell–derived models into preclinical drug development. Their conversation reflects growing regulatory and policy momentum around new approach methodologies (NAMs) and underscores the importance of rigorous standards, regulatory alignment, and cross-sector collaboration to improve reproducibility and advance more predictive, human-relevant therapies. Building on its long-standing leadership in global standards, ethics, and policy, the ISSCR is uniquely positioned to convene industry, academia, and regulators around this effort. The initiative also reflects the Society’s expanding industry engagement, with industry membership increasing nearly 180% over the past five years – creating new opportunities for strategic partnerships to address shared scientific and translational challenges. Featured Products and Resources: Learn how organoids can be used to expand clinical applications of diseases and disorders. Get a free wallchart showing how organoids are used as model systems to study infectious diseases, cancer, congenital disorders, and tissue regeneration. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Treating Frailty with Stem Cells – In a clinical trial, mesenchymal stem cell therapy improved walking distance and physical function in older adults with frailty. Combined Bone & Bone Marrow Organoids – Researchers developed a scalable iPSC-derived bone marrow organoid that models human lympho-myeloid hematopoiesis and disease. CAR-NK Progenitors Prevent Relapse – Engineered pluripotent stem cell–derived CAR-expressing NK progenitor cells reduced minimal residual disease and prevented relapse in leukemia models following chemotherapy. Whole-Body Single-Cell Mapping – Scientists have developed a 3D single-cell-resolution map of mouse organs and the whole neonatal body. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Drs. Shuibing Chen and Hans Clevers Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 314: “ISSCR 2026: Real Discoveries, Real Collaboration, Real Potential” Featuring Drs. Fiona Doetsch & Nozomu Yachie
Feb 1801:11:17Tap to summarizeGuest: Drs. Fiona Doetsch and Nozomu Yachie, Co-Chairs of the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting Program Committee, join the podcast to discuss what to expect at the upcoming ISSCR 2026 meeting taking place in Montreal, Canada from July 8 – 11, 2026. This is the world’s largest and most comprehensive gathering dedicated to stem cell research and regenerative medicine, bringing together global leaders across basic science, technology development, translational research, and clinical application. They discuss the meeting’s global focus, program highlights, and spotlight the many new invited speakers and expanded opportunities for trainees to present and network. Featured Products and Resources: Explore STEMCELL Technologies’ collection of technical videos and webinars on neurological disease modeling. Get a free wallchart showing how organoids are used as model systems to study infectious diseases, cancer, congenital disorders, and tissue regeneration. The Stem Cell Science Round Up HCMV Infection and Cholangiocyte Barriers – Scientists show that human cytomegalovirus infection induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition in cholangiocytes. Cross-Circulation for Liver Failure – Extracorporeal cross-circulation with genetically modified pig livers provided effective temporary liver support with minimal immune response in a human decedent model. How Sleep Loss Hurts the Gut – Researchers identified a sleep deprivation-responsive neural circuit that controls intestinal stem cell function. Mapping the Fetal Stem Cell Niche – Scientists demonstrate a central role of hepatoblasts in the regulation of fetal liver hematopoiesis and stem cell maintenance. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Fiona Doetsch and Nozomu Yachie Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 313: “Cardiovascular Disease Mechanisms” Featuring Dr. Joseph Wu
Feb 301:27:45Tap to summarizeGuest: Dr. Joseph Wu is a Professor of Medicine and Radiology and the Director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. He talks about the importance of pharmacology knowledge in drug discovery. He also discusses his early iPSC research, investigating vaccine-induced myocarditis, and embracing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). (39:40) Featured Products and Resources: Submit your abstract for ISSCR 2026 by February 25th! STEMdiff™ Ventricular Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Kit The Stem Cell Science Round Up Autism Genes in Organoids: Research provides new insight into the convergent impact of autism spectrum disorder genetic risk on human neurodevelopment. (2:35) Pancreatic Organoid Screening: High-content screen reveals 54 compounds altering pancreatic organoid shape or differentiation. (13:15) CRISPR Screening for Tauopathies: CRISPR screens in human neurons reveal modifiers of tau oligomer accumulation. (21:03) Fixing Facial Scarring: Modulating ROBO2-EID1-EP300 signaling pathway promotes facial-like reduced fibrosis at scar-prone sites. (31:00) Image courtesy of Dr. Joseph Wu Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
Transcribe →Ep. 312: “Biomanufacturing in Space” Featuring Dr. Pinar Mesci
Jan 2001:27:35Tap to summarizeGuest: 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
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