Human pluripotent stem cells have an unlimited capacity to self-renew in culture. This feature, along with their ability to become any cell type in the adult body, makes them a unique tool to study human biology in health and disease. Unfortunately, human pluripotent stem cells have a propensity to acquire genetic abnormalities in culture that may limit their scientific and clinical use.Among the most prevalent genomic changes found in pluripotent stem cells are various forms of over-representation of sequences on the long arm of chromosome 20, with up to 20% of tested cultures containing such an aberration. One such anomaly, the isochromosome 20 mutation, is also found in amniocentesis analyses.  In  this episode, Martin Pera is joined by three scientists, who along with their colleagues, authored the recent paper published in Stem Cell Reports entitled, The isochromosome 20q abnormality of pluripotent cells interrupts germ layers differentiation.  This publication explores the effects of this particular anomaly on the ability of pluripotent stem cells to differentiate both spontaneously and by directed differentiation.  The results were surprising, with implications for understanding early development and the potential therapeutic use of pluripotent stem cells. The authors  also discuss some of the challenges of working with pluripotent stem cells. GuestsIvana Barbaric, PhD, University of Sheffield, UK Pete Coffey, PhD, University College London and the University of California, Santa Barbara, US Loriana Vitillo, PhD, University College London, UKHostMartin Pera, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting ContentThe isochromosome 20q abnormality of pluripotent cells interrupts germ layer differentiation, Vitillo, et. al., Stem Cell Reports (2023)About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access journal of the ISSCR for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians. Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith more than 4,600 members from 75+ countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen Snitkoff

The PiWi family of genes may have a diminutive sounding name, but they have a large role in the function of the germline and germline stem cells. Initially discovered in Drosophila, these highly conserved RNA-binding proteins have well-established roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis and germ stem cell maintenance, in addition to silencing transposable elements. However, PiWi function outside of the germline is relatively unexplored. New findings from the Lin laboratory show that Drosophila Piwi has a role in intestinal homeostasis where it functions to establish intestinal stem cells, maintain the enteroblast lineage, and support of the enterocytes. It also has a role in silencing retrotransposons of the gut. Collectively, these intestinal roles of PiWi are critical to organismal longevity as the loss of PiWi leads to a shortened lifespan in the fly. Martin Pera is joined by scientists Drs. Haifan Lin and Xiongzhuo Tang. Dr. Lin is the Eugene Higgins Professor of Cell Biology and the Founding Director of the Yale Stem Cell Center. Among his many achievements, Haifan is a member of US National Academy of Sciences, a member of American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a Foreign Member of Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is currently the president of the ISSCR. Xiongzhuo Tang was a postdoctoral fellow in the Lin laboratory and is now a professor in the Animal and Nutritional Genome and Germplasm Innovation Research Center in the College of Animal Science and Technology at the Hunan Agricultural University in Hunan China.Drs. Lin and Tang are authors of the recent paper published in Stem Cell Reports entitled, Piwi maintains homeostasis in the Drosophila adult intestine.GuestsHaifan Lin, PhD, Yale UniversityXiongzhuo Tang, PhD, Hunan Agricultural UniversityHostMartin Pera, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting ContentPiwi maintains homeostasis in the Drosophila adult intestine, Tang, et al., Stem Cell Reports (2023)About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access journal of the ISSCR for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians. Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith more than 4,600 members from 75+ countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen Snitkoff

This episode is sponsored by Bio-Techne. While advances in stem cell science have led to an increasing number of stem cell-based therapies entering clinical trials, the field is still relatively immature. Thus, these first-in-human trials are using pioneering approaches unique unto themselves, leaving scientists, physicians, and regulators to assess the best approaches for a specific therapy and/or disease.  In this episode of the podcast, Martin Pera is joined by physician-scientists Roger Barker and Rajesh Rao who have and are leading stem cell-based trials to discuss some of the critical aspects of the process and reflect on the “lessons learnt” during their translational journey.  Roger Barker, a pioneer in developing cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease, is a Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and Consultant Neurologist at the Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge. He is a Principal Investigator in the Medical Research Council (MRC) – Wellcome Trust Stem Cell Institute in Cambridge and Director of the MRC-funded UK Regenerative Medicine Platform Stem and Engineered Cell Hub. Roger is a current ISSCR Board Member, former chair of the ISSCR’s Clinical Translation Committee and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.Rajesh Rao is an ophthalmologist and the Leonard G Miller Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the University of Michigan; Director of Retina Service at VA Ann Arbor Health System; and the Leslie H. and Abigail S. Wexner Emerging Scholar at the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute. Dr. Rao is currently running a cell replacement therapy for macular degeneration and is the current chair of the ISSCR’s Clinical Translation Committee.GuestsRoger Barker, MBBS, PhD, University of Cambridge, UKRajesh Rao, MD, University of Michigan, USAHostMartin Pera, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting ContentLessons learnt, and still to learn, in first in human stem cell trials, Barker et al, Stem Cell Reports (2022)About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access journal of the ISSCR for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians. Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith more than 4,600 members from 75+ countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen Snitkoff

This episode is sponsored by Bio-Techne.Computational approaches have become integral to understanding biological processes, in part because of a need to come to grips with the enormous amounts of high dimensional data that we generate using our current tools for cellular analysis. This is especially relevant for stem cell and developmental biology where development, disease modeling, regulatory networks, and lineage formation all lend themselves to the combination of experimental and computational methods. Today’s program explores how computational biology approaches can be used to understand and model early development, specifically the lineage commitment of the early embryo and its broader application to enhance the engineering of cell differentiation strategies. Martin Pera is joined by bioengineers Peter Zandstra and Himanshu Kaul. Dr. Zandstra is one of the early pioneers in the application of engineering principles to study stem cell biology and is a Professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering and the Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia. He has received numerous honors and awards including being named the Canada Research Chair in Stem Cell Bioengineering and he is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Dr. Kaul is a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow in the School of Engineering and Department of Respiratory Sciences and a new group leader at the University of Leicester. HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAX GuestsPeter Zandstra, PhD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CanadaHimanshu Kaul, PhD,  University of Leicester, Leicester, UK Supporting ContentVirtual cells in a virtual microenvironment recapitulate early development-like patterns in human pluripotent stem cell colonies About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith more than 4,600 members from 75+ countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

This episode of The Stem Cell Report will explore the scientific applications, advances, and challenges of interspecies chimeras – organisms consisting of cells from at least two different species. The development of interspecies chimeras, most recently advanced by the discovery of pluripotent stem cells and enhancements in genetic editing, have led to greater understanding of fundamental developmental and biological concepts, insight into evolution, and even the development of potential regenerative approaches for human health. Martin Pera will be joined by Drs. Ori Bar-Nur and Jun Wu, along with Joel Zvick, next generation scientists who are pioneering advances in interspecies chimera research.HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXGuestsOri Bar-Nur, PhD, ETH Zurich, Switzerland Joel Zvick, ETH Zurich, Switzerland  Jun Wu, PhD, UT Southwestern, USA Supporting ContentExclusive generation of rat spermatozoa in sterile mice utilizing blastocyst complementation with pluripotent stem cells, Stem Cell Reports, 2022About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith 4,500 members from more than 70 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode of The Stem Cell Report, sponsored by Bio-Techne, we will explore the modeling of complex human neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism, bipolar disorder, and others using stem cell-based, three-dimensional culture models of the brain and its development. Martin Pera will be joined by Drs. Carol Marchetto and Rusty Gage, experts in the normal and pathological development of the brain. Carol Marchetto is an Assistant Professor in the Anthropology Department at the University of California, San Diego and an adjunct Assistant Professor at the Salk Institute. Rusty Gage is the Vi and John Adler Chair for Research on Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disease and the President of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his research including his appointment as a Fellow of the National Academy of Medicine. He is a former president of the ISSCR and a current member of the Stem Cell Reports Editorial Board. HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXGuestsCarol Marchetto, PhD, University of California, San Diego, USA Rusty Gage, PhD, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA  Supporting ContentReaching into the toolbox: Stem cell models to study neuropsychiatric disordersEthical, Legal, and Regulatory Issues Associated with Neural Chimeras and OrganoidsAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,500 members from more than 70 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

To celebrate the ISSCR’s 20th anniversary, Martin Pera is joined by three members of the ISSCR Board of Directors; Fiona Doetsch (Biozentrum at the University of Basel, Switzerland), Clerk of the ISSCR, Takanori Takebe (Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA/Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Yokohama City University, Japan) is a Director, and Leonard Zon (Boston Children’s Hospital, USA) is an Ex Officio member, past president, and founder of the ISSCR. In addition to running their own laboratories these scientists are part of the ISSCR leadership and will talk about the ISSCR’s history, impact, the recent meeting, and the Society’s future.  GuestsFiona Doetsch, PhD, University of Basel, SwitzerlandTakanori Takebe, MD, PhD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, USA and Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, JapanLeonard Zon, MD, Boston Children’s Hospital, USA and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, USA HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting ContentISSCR WebsiteStem Cell ReportsISSCR 2022About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode of The Stem Cell Report, Martin Pera is joined by three experts on the eye, its development, and disease processes.  Dr. Mark Humayun is the Director of the Institute for Biomedical Therapeutics and Co-Director of the Roski Eye Institute at the University of Southern California.  Dr. Anand Swaroop is a Senior Investigator in the Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory at the National Eye Institute, and Dr. Masayo Takahashi is a pioneer in iPS-based approaches to treat eye disease and the President of Vision Care Inc., a venture that will focus on cell-based treatments for macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Today’s guests will talk about their respective research and where the field of regenerative medicine for eye disease currently stands and where it is headed. Articles from the guests can be found below in the “Supporting Docs” as is the Virtual Collection of eye-focused papers recently published in Stem Cell Reports.  GuestsMark Humayun, MD, PhD, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA Anand Swaroop, PhD, National Institutes of Health, USA Masayo Takahashi, MD, PhD, Vision Care Inc., Japan HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting DocumentsSurvival of an HLA-mismatched, bioengineered RPE implant in dry age-related macular degeneration, Stem Cell Reports Gene therapy of dominant CRX-Leber Congenital Amaurosis using patient derived Retinal Organoids, Stem Cell Reports Stem cells in translation: Eye disease, Stem Cell Reports Virtual Collection  About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode of The Stem Cell Report, Martin Pera is joined by Douglas Melton, a pioneer in the use of stem cell-based transplants to treat Type 1 diabetes, and Nayara Leite, a former postdoc in the Melton laboratory who now works for Vertex Pharmaceuticals, one of the companies currently testing stem cell-derived transplants for diabetes in clinical trials. Drs. Melton and Leite will talk about the concepts and issues around stem cell-based treatments for diabetes and their new paper that looks at ways to enhance the survival and function of the insulin producing islets.GuestsDouglas Melton, PhD, Harvard University  Nayara Leite, PhD, Vertex PharmaceuticalsHostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXRead Their PaperGenetic manipulation of stress pathways can protect stem-cell-derived islets from apoptosis in vitroAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode of the Stem Cell Report, Martin Pera is joined by a team of scientists from the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Rensselaer, NY, USA.  Drs. Elizabeth Fisher, Xiuli Zhao, and Institute Director Sally Temple talk about their new paper on neural stem and progenitor cell function in the aging adult brain. They use live time-lapse imaging with computer-based image analysis to assess young and aged neural stem and progenitor cells in 3D brain structures to assess the mechanism underlying changes to the aging brain. GuestsSally Temple, PhD, Neural Stem Cell Institute Xiuli Zhao MD, PhD, Neural Stem Cell Institute Elizabeth Fisher, PhD, Neural Stem Cell Institute HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXRead Their Paper4D imaging analysis of the aging mouse neural stem cell niche reveals a dramatic loss of progenitor cell dynamism regulated by the RHO-ROCK pathway About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode, Drs. Shimpei Gotoh, Takahiro Suezawa, and Carla Kim join the podcast to talk about using stem and progenitor cells to understand the adult lung and model disease processes impacting lung function. Their research and discoveries provide insight into lung homeostasis, the potential for regeneration, and understanding diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and cancer.Drs. Gotoh and Suezawa are two of the authors of the recent paper ”Disease modeling of pulmonary fibrosis using human pluripotent stem cell-derived alveolar organoids” in Stem Cell Reports. Dr Kim is a member of the Stem Cell Reports Editorial Board and an expert in the study of progenitors of the adult lung. GuestsShimpei Gotoh, MD, PhD, Kyoto UniversityTakahiro Suezawa, PhD, Kyorin Pharmaceutical CompanyCarla Kim, PhD, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolHostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting DocumentsDisease modeling of pulmonary fibrosis using human pluripotent stem cell-derived alveolar organoidsAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRWebsite: https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/homeAcknowledgementISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager of Scientific AffairsVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode, Drs. Fiona Watt and Alice Vickers join the podcast to talk about uncovering the relationship between genetic variants and cellular behavior. They recently developed a platform to quantify iPSC differentiation propensity to investigate the genetic contribution to phenotypic variability. Drs. Vickers and Watt are authors of the recent paper,  "Plating human iPSC lines on micropatterned substrates relevels role for ITGBI nsSNV in endoderm formation” in Stem Cell Reports.  GuestsFiona Watt, DPhil, Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London Website: http://www.wattlab.org/ Alice Vickers, PhD, INKEF Capital, Amsterdam (current affiliation). Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London (previous affiliation). Website: https://www.inkefcapital.com Supporting Document ”Plating human iPSC lines on micropatterned substrates relevels role for ITGBI nsSNV in endoderm formation” HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health. Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager of Scientific AffairsVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode Drs. Charles Murry and Kenta Nakamura join the podcast to talk about “cardiac remuscularization therapy,” and the general approach of transplanting human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to restore cardiac function after injury.GuestsCharles Murry, MD, PhD, University of Washington and Sana BiotechnologyKenta Nakamura, MD, University of Washington and VA Puget Sound Healthcare System HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson Laboratory Twitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting DocumentDrs. Murry and Nakamura are two of the authors of the recent paper ” Pharmacologic therapy for engraftment arrhythmia induced by transplantation of human cardiomyocytes” in Stem Cell Reports.  About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRWebsite: https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/homeAcknowledgementISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager of Scientific AffairsVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode Drs. Peter Loskill and Christine Mummery join the podcast to talk about the intersection of stem cells, microphysiological systems and organs-on-a-chip technology in understanding disease, screening drugs and personalized medicine. Drs. Loskill and Mummery are guest editors of a special issue on this topic appearing now in Stem Cell Reports. GuestsPeter Loskill, PhD W3-Professor for Organ-on-Chip Research at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen and the Natural and Medical Sciences Institute as well as Vice-Chair of the European-Organ-on-Chip-Society (EUROoCS). Twitter: @pe_loskChristine Mummery, PhD, Professor of Developmental Biology at Leiden University Medical Center and heads the iPSC & organ on a chip facility at the LUMC. She is also the recent past president of the ISSCR.HostMartin Pera, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson Laboratory Twitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting DocumentsSpecial Issue: Organs-on-ChipAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRWebsite: https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/homeAcknowledgementISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager of Scientific AffairsVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode, sponsored by Bio-Techne, Drs. Hans Clevers and Kai Kretschmar join the podcast to talk broadly about the role of adult stem cells in tissue maintenance and repair. Specifically, they will focus on the expression and function of Troy and stem cells in the development and homeostasis of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, that functions as a protective mechanical and biological barrier against injuries, pathogens and the loss of heat and water.GuestsHans Clevers, MD, PhD, is group leader at the Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research and at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology. He is also University Professor at the University Utrecht and Oncode Investigator. Both in the Netherlands. Kai Kretzschmar, PhD, is junior group leader at the MSNZ University Hospital Würzburg, Germany HostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting DocumentsTroy/Tnfrsf19 marks epidermal cells that govern interfollicular epidermal renewal and cornificationAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCRAcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Scientific AdvisorVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode, sponsored by bit.bio,  Drs. Marius Wernig and Yi Han Ng join the podcast to talk about the directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into dopaminergic neurons. Their approach, which is based on the expression of specific transcription factors to drive cell fate directly to a specific neuronal identity, has been demonstrated to robust generalate functional dopaminergic neurons of midbrain character.GuestsMarius Wernig, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology at the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford UniversityWebsite: https://www.werniglab.org/Yi Han Ng, PhD, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine and Laboratory of Metabolic Medicine, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, SingaporeSupporting DocumentsEfficient Generation of Dopaminergic Induced Neuronal Cells with Midbrain Characteristics HostMartin Pera, PhD: Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryTwitter: @martinperaJAX  About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCR AcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager of Scientific AffairsVoice WorkJulie PerlinBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode, Drs. Zubin Master, Kirstin Matthews, Mohamed Abou-el-Enein, and Sean Morrison join the podcast to talk about unproven stem cell-based interventions. These so-called “stem cell therapies” or “regenerative therapies” currently being marketed direct-to-consumers have insufficient evidence of safety and efficacy to justify their use and pose a potential risk to recipients. A recent paper from Masters, Mathews and Abou-el-Enein published in Stem Cell Reports discusses this global public health problem.GuestsMohamed Abou-El-Enein, MD, PhD, MSPH Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USAZubin Master, PhD, Mayo Clinic, USAKirstin Matthews, PhD, Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, USASean Morrison, PhD, Children’s Research Institute, UT Southwestern, USAHostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryWebsite: https://www.jax.org/research-and-faculty/faculty/martin-peraTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting DocumentsUnproven stem cell interventions: A global public health problem requiring global deliberation About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.About ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCR AcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager of Scientific AffairsVoice WorkJulie PerlinMusic@Konovalov

In today’s episode, we will talk about new research on the use of an induced pluripotent stem cell-based vaccine to potentially protect against pancreatic cancer. This approach takes advantage of shared antigens between stem cells and pancreatic cancer cells and seeks to exploit them for clinical benefit. We will talk with the authors of this new research published in Stem Cell Reports on why they decided to pursue this approach, the background behind it, and whether this approach could work for other types of cancers. We also discuss some of Dr. Wu's other work, including research on stem cells in microgravity. Show NotesGuestsJoseph Wu, MD, PhD Director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute,  US Website: http://med.stanford.edu/wulab.htmlXiaoming Ouyang, PhD, Postdoctoral Scholar, Wu Laboratory, Stanford University, US Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Xiaoming-OuyangHostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryWebsite: https://www.jax.org/research-and-faculty/faculty/martin-peraTwitter: @martinperaJAXSupporting DocumentsAnti-Tumor Effects of iPSC-Based Cancer Vaccine in Pancreatic Cancerhttps://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/fulltext/S2213-6711(21)00199-5About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @stemcellreportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCR AcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Operating OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager of Scientific AffairsNancy Witty, Chief Executive OfficerVoice WorkJulie PerlinBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode, we will talk about morphogenesis in embryo development, a process that in mammalians is known to show considerable plasticity. Understanding how this process is coordinated and how it responds to stress and physiological regulatory mechanisms provides us with a more complete picture of the regulation of mammalian development. We will talk with the authors of new research published in Stem Cell Reports on the regulation of embryo size and the timing of morphogenesis, critical early steps in embryonic development. Show NotesGuestsLorenzo Orietti, PhD – Medical Advisor, Onco-Hematology Unit,  Amgen, Inc, (Italy)Website: https://www.amgen.com/Marta Shahbazi, PhD – MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UKWebsite: https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/group-leaders/n-to-s/marta-shahbazi/Twitter: @Marta_ShahbaziMagdalena Zernicka-Goetz, PhD – Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group and The Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, UK and the California Institute of Technology, USWebsites: http://zernickagoetzlab.pdn.cam.ac.uk/, https://zernickagoetzlab.caltech.edu/ Twitter: @ZernickaGoetz and @MZG_LabHostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryWebsite: https://www.jax.org/research-and-faculty/faculty/martin-peraTwitter: @martinperaJAXPodcast Website: https://thestemcellreport.buzzsprout.com/Supporting ResourcesEmbryo Size Regulates the Timing and Mechanism of Pluripotent Tissue MorphogenesisDOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.09.004 About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Twitter: @stemcellreportsAbout ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 65 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.Twitter: @ISSCR ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Operating OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director, Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager, Scientific AffairsNancy Witty, Chief Executive OfficerVoice WorkJulie PerlinBen SnitkoffMusic@Konovalov

In this episode Drs. Janet Rossant and Patrick Tam, join the podcast. They are experts in early embryonic development and authors of new Perspective article in Stem Cell Reports,  Opportunities and Challenges with Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models. Embryo modeling is a rapidly emerging area of science which can help advance the understanding of early development, especially human development where insight has been limited due to technical and ethical issues. The article is online now and will appear in the May 2021 special issue of the journal.Show NotesGuestsJanet Rossant, PhD - Hospital for Sick Children, the University of Toronto and the Gairdner Foundation. Website: https://lab.research.sickkids.ca/rossant/Patrick Tam, PhD - University of Sydney, Australia Website: https://www.cmrijeansforgenes.org.au/researchers/patrick-tamHostMartin Pera, PhD – Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Jackson LaboratoryWebsite: https://www.jax.org/research-and-faculty/faculty/martin-peraTwitter: @martinperaJAX (https://twitter.com/martinperajax) Podcast Website: https://thestemcellreport.buzzsprout.com/Supporting ResourcesOpportunities and Challenges with Stem Cell-Based Embryo ModelsWebsite: https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/fulltext/S2213-6711(21)00082-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.02.002NIH Blog Website: https://osp.od.nih.gov/2021/03/11/human-embryo-development/About Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.Website: https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/homeTwitter: @stemcellreports (https://twitter.com/stemcellreports)About ISSCRWith nearly 4,000 members from more than 60 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health. Website: International Society for Stem Cell ResearchTwitter: @ISSCR (https://twitter.com/isscr)AcknowledgementsISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Operating OfficerBethany Almon, Senior Manager of Integrated MarketingYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director, Media and Strategic CommunicationsJack Mosher, Senior Manager, Scientific AffairsNancy Witty, Chief Executive OfficerVoice WorkBen SnitkoffMusicKonovalovMusic, @KonovalovMusic