The Stem Cell Podcast

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

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

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

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

Dr. Joseph Wu, Stanford cardiology and radiology professor who leads cardiovascular translational research, discusses using stem cells, organoids, genomics, CRISPR and AI to probe heart disease. He covers modeling vaccine-associated myocarditis, pharmacology pitfalls in preclinical drug discovery, and building tiered pipelines that pair NAMs with animal studies for better translation.

Dr. Pinar Mesci, Global Head of Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology at Axiom Space, blends organoid neuroscience with space biology. She recounts moving from brain organoids to studying microgravity effects. Topics include in‑orbit biomanufacturing, how microgravity alters disease models and drug testing, and tech transfer from low Earth orbit back to Earth.

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.