The Stem Cell Podcast

A podcast dedicated to culturing knowledge in stem cell research. Brought to you by STEMCELL Technologies.

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20 episodes
Updated July 21

Episodes20

Newest first

July 21 · 32 min
Ep. 326: “ISSCR 2026: On the Ground”
Guest: In July 2026, we attended ISSCR 2026, the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, in Montreal. We spoke with delegates about their research, the scientific advances that stood out to them, and the emerging trends shaping the future of stem cell biology. They also reflect on their own conference highlights and the unique opportunities that meetings like ISSCR provide for collaboration, networking, and scientific discovery. Featured Products and Resources: Strengthen reproducibility in your research with “Applying the ISSCR Standards for Research” Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
July 14 · 47 min
Ep. 325: “Live at ISSCR 2026: Scaling and Manufacturing of PSC-Derived Therapies” Featuring Drs. Michael May and Janet Rothberg
Guest: In this special episode recorded live in Montréal, Canada at ISSCR 2026, Dr. Michael May, President and CEO of the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), and Dr. Janet Rothberg, Senior Director of Process and Analytical Development at CCRM, explore how stem cell discoveries can be translated into commercially viable therapies through scalable manufacturing, company creation, investment, automation, and artificial intelligence. They emphasize the importance of considering manufacturing, quality control, market selection, reimbursement, and the evolving standard of care much earlier in the development process. They also share their vision for a future in which robust bioprocessing, better use of data, and improved regulatory and reimbursement models make iPSC-derived therapies more affordable and widely accessible. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Drs. Michael May and Janet Rothberg Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
July 12 · 35 min
ISSCR 2026: Day 4
Guest: In July 2026, Daylon and Arun attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s (ISSCR) annual meeting in Montreal, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the previous 24 hours. Here is the final of four episodes from the meeting, where they discuss the challenges of making advanced cell and gene therapies accessible, the latest progress in organoids and regenerative medicine, and the importance of balancing ambitious clinical goals with rigorous scientific evidence. They also reflect on the meeting’s broader themes, from the enduring role of developmental biology and patient advocacy to the achievements of award recipients and the growing integration of new technologies such as AI, machine learning, and advanced imaging in stem cell research. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart showing how organoids are used as model systems to study infectious diseases, cancer, congenital disorders, and tissue regeneration. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
July 11 · 33 min
ISSCR 2026: Day 3
Guest: In July 2026, Daylon and Arun attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s (ISSCR) annual meeting in Montreal, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the previous 24 hours. Here is the third of four episodes, where Daylon and Arun discuss advances in synthetic biology, organoid engineering, regenerative medicine, developmental biology, and AI-driven approaches to stem cell research. They also reflect on inspiring plenary talks covering topics from pregnancy-associated tissue adaptation and lung development to AI-powered drug discovery, while sharing their excitement about conversations with conference delegates and the rapidly evolving future of the field. Featured Products and Resources: Strengthen reproducibility in your research with Applying the ISSCR Standards for Research, a free, on-demand training course. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
July 10 · 35 min
ISSCR 2026: Day 2
Guest: In July 2026, Daylon and Arun attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s (ISSCR) annual meeting in Montreal, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the previous 24 hours. Here is the second of four episodes, where Daylon and Arun discuss promising stem cell clinical trial updates for Parkinson’s disease, advances in cardiac, thymus, and vascular organoid research, and new technologies that are reshaping developmental biology and regenerative medicine. They also reflect on inspiring patient stories, tributes to stem cell pioneer Sir John Gurdon, and the growing role of AI and engineering in the future of stem cell research. Featured Products and Resources: Explore the possibilities for reproducible, high-quality hPSC differentiation with easy-to-use serum-free kits. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
July 9 · 23 min
ISSCR 2026: Day 1
Guest: In July 2026, Daylon and Arun attended the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s (ISSCR) annual meeting in Montreal, and recorded daily episodes discussing highlights of the previous 24 hours. Here is the first of four episodes, where Daylon and Arun discuss the opening plenary, major advances in iPSC research, organoids, CRISPR, and space biology, as well as their live podcast recording on translating stem cell research into real-world therapies. They also share their impressions of the meeting, memorable sessions, and the excitement of reconnecting with colleagues and the stem cell community. Featured Products and Resources: Learn about organoid culture from the experts at STEMCELL using the Organoid Information Hub. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
July 7 · 1 hr 13 min
Ep. 324: “From Stem Cells to Living Tissues” Featuring Drs. Yifei Miao and Anca Pasca
Guest: This special episode, created in partnership with the ISSCR Early Career Advisory Committee, features two rising leaders in stem cell research. Dr. Yifei (Simon) Miao, a Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discusses engineering vascularized organoids and integrating bioengineering approaches to build more physiologically relevant human tissues. Dr. Anca Pașca, an Assistant Professor at Stanford Medicine, explores how stem cell-derived brain organoids and assembloids are advancing our understanding of neonatal brain injury and neurodevelopmental disorders, with the goal of developing new therapies for vulnerable infants. If you’d like to nominate yourself or a colleague for our Early Career Researcher Series, submit your nomination here. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR 2026 to discover breakthroughs, technologies, and clinical insights you can take back to your lab. Enter to win 350 US dollars or equivalent toward refreshments to fuel your journal club discussions. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Editing Early Human Development – Base editing of human embryos reveals that NANOG is essential for epiblast formation and human pluripotency. Reprogramming Colorectal Cancer – Loss of GATA6 promotes colorectal cancer liver metastasis by driving multilineage cellular plasticity. Precision Medicine for Pancreatitis – Patient-derived organoids identify chronic pancreatitis subtypes and reveal CFTR modulators as a potential treatment. Tracking Heart Organoids – A wireless cantilever platform enables high-throughput measurement of contractile forces in human cardiac organoids. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Drs. Yifei (Simon) Miao and Anca Pasca Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
June 23 · 1 hr 14 min
Ep. 323: “Building the Blastema” Featuring Dr. Mekayla Storer
Guest: Dr. Mekayla Storer is an Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge and a Principal Investigator at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. She discusses how mammalian digit tips regenerate after injury, focusing on the formation of the blastema and the cellular and molecular mechanisms that distinguish regeneration from scarring. She highlights the role of the extracellular matrix, tissue mechanics, and regenerative microenvironments in directing tissue repair, and explores how insights from digit tip regeneration may inform strategies to promote regeneration in other organs. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR and discover breakthroughs, technologies, and clinical insights you can take back to your lab. Kick start your own journal club using our free toolkit equipped with downloadable checklists and templates. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Modeling EMT in Human Cells – Scientists have developed a human iPSC-based platform that enables standardized, multimodal analysis of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition dynamics across 2D and 3D contexts. Modeling Persistent Ebola Infection – Human brain organoids reveal how persistent Ebola virus infection in neural cells drives long-term inflammation and viral evolution. Reducing Retinal Graft Rejection – Transient JAK inhibition reduces immune rejection of stem cell-derived retinal grafts and improves visual recovery. Enhancing Renal Regeneration – Targeting ENPP1 with a therapeutic antibody enhances regeneration and restores function after acute kidney injury. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Mekayla Storer Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
June 9 · 1 hr 22 min
Ep. 322: “Healing Hearts with Macrophages” Featuring Dr. Filipa Simões
Guest: Dr. Filipa Simões is a Group Leader at the University of Oxford and Co-Director of the Oxford Organoid Hub. She discusses how macrophages shape heart development, repair, and regeneration, and how cellular crosstalk within the cardiac niche influences tissue outcomes after injury. Using zebrafish models, stem cell–derived cardiac organoids, and spatial genomics approaches, she explores the molecular signals that govern macrophage identity and function, with the goal of uncovering new strategies to promote cardiac regeneration and limit fibrosis. Featured Products and Resources: Join us at ISSCR and discover the breakthroughs and technologies you can take straight back to your lab. Enter to win 350 US dollars or equivalent towards refreshments to fuel your next journal club. The Stem Cell Science Round Up iPSC Therapy for Heart Failure – Engineered heart muscle grafts derived from iPSCs increased heart wall thickness and improved cardiac function in patients with heart failure. Inflammatory Memory in HSCs – A distinct human HSC subset retains inflammatory memory, influencing blood production, aging, and disease risk. Organoid-Mediated Vision Recovery – Transplanted human retinal organoids partially restored vision after complete optic nerve transection in rats. Improving HSPC Gene Therapy – A new selection strategy enriches precisely edited hematopoietic stem cells while reducing unwanted genomic alterations. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Filipa Simões. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe
May 26 · 1 hr 14 min
Ep. 321: “Decoding Blood Stem Cells” Featuring Dr. Vijay Sankaran
Guest: 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
May 12 · 1 hr 30 min
Ep. 320: “Cancer Under Pressure” Featuring Dr. Meenal Datta
Guest: 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
April 28 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 319: “Building Better iPSCs” Featuring Dr. Andrew Gaffney
Guest: 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
April 14 · 1 hr 33 min
Ep. 318: “Modeling Reproduction and Endocrinology” Featuring Dr. Kotaro Sasaki
Guest: 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
March 31 · 1 hr 21 min
Ep. 317: “Engineering the Human Heart” Featuring Dr. Aitor Aguirre
Guest: 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
March 17 · 1 hr 25 min
Ep. 316: “Primate Embryogenesis” Featuring Dr. Thorsten Boroviak
Guest: 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
March 3 · 1 hr 12 min
Ep. 315: “Advanced Stem Cell-Based Models” Featuring Drs. Shuibing Chen and Hans Clevers
Guest: 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
February 18 · 1 hr 11 min
Ep. 314: “ISSCR 2026: Real Discoveries, Real Collaboration, Real Potential” Featuring Drs. Fiona Doetsch & Nozomu Yachie
Guest: 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
February 3 · 1 hr 27 min
Ep. 313: “Cardiovascular Disease Mechanisms” Featuring Dr. Joseph Wu
Guest: 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
January 20 · 1 hr 27 min
Ep. 312: “Biomanufacturing in Space” Featuring Dr. Pinar Mesci
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
Dec 23, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
Ep. 311: “Congenital Heart Disease” Featuring Dr. Deepak Srivastava
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