The Stem Cell Podcast

Dr. Juan Melero-Martin, an Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Cardiac Surgery at Boston Children's Hospital, dives into vascular biology and regenerative medicine. He discusses groundbreaking findings on mitochondrial transfer from MSCs to endothelial cells and its role in enhancing cell function. Juan explains strategies for generating vascular organoids and the importance of transcription factors like ETV2 in differentiating endothelial cells. He also reflects on mentorship in Boston's vibrant research community and the excitement surrounding advancements in cell therapies.

Dr. Carole LaBonne, the Erastus Otis Haven Professor at Northwestern University, specializes in neural crest stem cells and their evolutionary significance. She discusses how these cells contribute to vertebrate traits and their potential in treating conditions like Hirschsprung disease. Carole emphasizes the importance of basic science funding for clinical progress and shares insights on overcoming barriers in scientific inquiry. Additionally, she stresses the balance between family and career, advocating for a more humanized approach to science.

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