Articles tagged with Stem Cell Research
Researchers discovered that early-stage ectoderm cells are especially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with heightened vulnerability driven by elevated TMPRSS2 activity and thinner glycocalyx. This raises concerns about potential developmental risks, particularly for infants born to mothers infected during early pregnancy.
The ISSCR emphasizes that continued investment in hESC research is essential to sustaining scientific progress and advancing life-saving therapies. Human embryonic stem cells remain a cornerstone of modern biomedical research due to their status as a gold standard for human pluripotency.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a new method to produce insulin-producing cells from human stem cells, effectively regulating blood sugar levels in laboratory tests and reversing diabetes in mice. The optimized production process yields more mature and purer cells, demonstrating their potential for future treatments.
A new study uses a human stem cell-derived model to identify potential therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), highlighting glycyrrhizin as a promising candidate. Glycyrrhizin significantly prevents intestinal cell death in both stem cell models and mice with IBD, reducing inflammation and cell death.
The ISSCR has elected Malin Parmar as vice president, bringing expertise in cellular neuroscience and regenerative therapies. The newly elected Board of Directors includes experts in engineering, biology, medicine, biomedical ethics, and public policy, who will guide the Society's global mission to advance excellence in stem cell science.
The Stem Cell Report podcast has marked five years of exploration in stem cell research, capturing significant progress in human development, disease, and regenerative medicine. The anniversary episode reunites past guests to discuss the field's evolution, highlighting advances in therapies, organoid systems, and global standards.
STEM Cell Reports has been named the official journal of the 2026 BaCell 3D Organoid Conference in Basel, Switzerland. The conference will bring together leading scientists and experts to share their latest findings on organoid technologies and disease modeling.
A proposed embedded ethics approach facilitates ethically responsible research with human stem-cell-based embryo models by integrating continuous dialogue among scientists, ethicists, and regulators. This framework helps build trust and serves as a public policy tool to ensure that research meets both scientific and societal values.
Researchers generated a comprehensive view of DNA methylation abnormalities in human MDS HSCs, uncovering a novel TET2-GFI1 axis that suppresses malignant transformation. The study identifies key hematopoietic regulators and provides a panoramic view of DNA methylation disruption in MDS.
Dr. Hongmei Wang joins Stem Cell Reports as an Associate Editor, bringing expertise in early embryo and placental development. Her laboratory investigates mechanisms governing embryonic and placental development, with potential for improving reproductive health outcomes.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research's official journal has implemented enhanced measures to strengthen scientific rigor and reproducibility in published research. New requirements include a completed ISSCR Standards Checklist shared with peer reviewers, ensuring critical experimental details are fully disclosed. All manusc...
A global clinical trial led by SickKids has found that mavacamten improves blood flow and reduces obstruction in youth with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart disease. The study's results offer hope to families avoiding open-heart surgery, setting the stage for precision therapeutics.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research has named Stem Cell Reports as the official conference journal for the Latest Advances in Stem Cell-Based Disease Modelling and Drug Screening meeting. The journal will focus on high-impact research spanning basic discovery to clinical translation in stem cell science.
The FDA has approved a gene therapy for severe leukocyte adhesion deficiency-I, a rare genetic condition that affects one in a million children globally. The therapy, Kresladi, has been shown to significantly reduce severe infections and improve immune function in treated patients.
Researchers will use human stem cell-based models to uncover molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying autism and schizophrenia. They aim to identify genetic variants that alter brain development and pinpoint common underlying mechanisms for both conditions.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel immunotherapy that uses CAR-NKT cell therapy to fight endometrial cancer. The therapy achieved complete tumor elimination and prolonged survival in mouse models, outperforming conventional CAR-T cell therapies.
The ISSCR has launched a new continuing education course on stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease, addressing the need for clinicians to provide accurate information on emerging treatments. The course features expert faculty and patient perspectives, and is available through a free and paid pathway.
Researchers at Kyoto University developed mRNA therapy that successfully restored sperm production and enabled healthy offspring birth in genetically infertile male mice. The therapy targets genetic defects linked to male infertility, demonstrating a potential treatment for human infertility cases.
Researchers demonstrate that genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells can overcome immune rejection in mice, surviving for five months with humanized immune systems. The findings provide proof-of-principle for a potential universal donor hPSC line designed to resist immune attack.
The ISSCR recognizes Dr. Kyle M. Loh's groundbreaking work on human pluripotent stem cells, enabling precision differentiation of various cell types and bridging stem cell biology and virology. His research has far-reaching implications for developmental biology, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Alexander Meissner, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, has been named recipient of the 2026 ISSCR Momentum Award for his sustained scientific contributions to developmental and stem cell epigenetics. He will present his work at ISSCR 2026 in Montréal.
Stem Cell COREdinates and CorEUstem have transformed the global infrastructure of pluripotent stem cell research by uniting 79 core facilities across continents to advance collaboration, rigor, inclusivity, and innovation. Their shared standards and protocols have strengthened reproducibility and ensured excellence in accessible for in...
The International Society for Stem Cell Research has awarded the 2026 ISSCR Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Allen Eaves and late Dr. Connie Eaves, recognizing their groundbreaking work on blood stem cell biology, leukemia, and cancer stem cells. Their research and mentorship have profoundly influenced the field of stem cell science.
Dr. Zon's pioneering research has illuminated how blood develops in embryos, leading to a deeper understanding of rare blood diseases, including pregnancy complications. His discoveries have also led to breakthrough treatments for genetic blood disorders affecting babies and children.
Researchers have explored how human mesenchymal stem cells can help repair brain injury in children born preterm. The PREMSTEM project has investigated the use of h-MSCs to address brain injury caused by early-life birth, with promising results showing a positive impact on brain damage and inflammation.
Aviv Regev, a pioneering computational biologist, will deliver a keynote address on tissue stem cells at the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting. Her work has transformed our understanding of cell and tissue function in health and disease.
Researchers at City of Hope have made significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, immune system regulation and early disease detection. A study found that subtle RNA changes can shape cancer behavior, opening new avenues for precision oncology. In contrast, combining immunotherapy with chemoradiation did not improve survival rates f...
An international working group has been appointed to advance the Global Workforce Development in Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Initiative, a collaboration between ISSCR and Canada's Stem Cell Network. The initiative aims to strengthen workforce development and ensure the field of regenerative medicine delivers meaningful...
The journal welcomes Bo Shen, Ph.D., and Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti, M.D., Ph.D. as Early Career Editors, bringing complementary strengths in stem cell niche biology and metabolism to the editorial board. Their perspectives will help ensure rigorous peer review, relevance, and global engagement.
The new NIH policy on research using human fetal tissue could undermine the development of life-saving therapies for various diseases. The ISSCR urges NIH to reconsider its decision and engage constructively with the scientific community to support biomedical research.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research published its most downloaded papers of 2025, reflecting the field's scientific range from pluripotency to regenerative medicine. The journal's mission is to publish rigorous, transparent, and consequential science advancing discovery while informing clinical translation.
Dry eye disease affects 5-15% of people, causing symptoms like redness and burning sensation. Researchers generated human tear gland organoids from stem cells to understand the connection between DED and autophagy. They found that disabling autophagy led to cellular disruption, reduced tear protein secretion, and increased cell death.
Researchers have compiled a comprehensive list of 166 human pluripotent stem cell lines available for clinical applications, guiding researchers and developers in selecting optimal cell lines. The study aims to drive hPSC-derived products towards the clinic, addressing a knowledge gap in off-the-shelf product development.
A novel approach to chronic pain management uses induced pluripotent stem cell-derived peripheral pain-sensing neurons to treat osteoarthritis joint pain. The therapy, SN101, sequesters inflammatory pain factors without transmitting pain signals, preserving joint tissues and relieving chronic pain.
The ISSCR symposium highlights new clinical trial results and emerging technologies advancing PSC-derived cell therapies. Key findings include breakthrough approaches for treating drug-resistant epilepsy and geographic atrophy, as well as durable remission in type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have found that patients with blood cancers can safely receive stem cell transplants from mismatched, unrelated donors using a protective regimen. The study's findings could make transplants accessible to nearly all patients with blood cancers, regardless of ancestry.
Researchers found that the tenascin-C protein promotes a thriving community of functional muscle stem cells needed for efficient muscle regeneration. Aging reduces skeletal muscle regeneration due to lower levels of TnC and impaired muscle stem cell function.
A new retinal organoid platform has identified biomarkers for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and allows for genetic testing of patients. The platform uses small 3D structures of retinal cells to classify variants of uncertain significance in LCA genes.
A recent study found that young donors (18-35 years old) with minor HLA differences can provide better survival rates and outcomes compared to older sibling donors. Additionally, gender and CMV status also play a role in donor selection.
Dr. Tara O. Henderson is the recipient of the 2026 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award, recognizing her groundbreaking research and dedication to improving outcomes for children with cancer. She has established a distinguished record as a mentor and educator, shaping the careers of numerous physicians and scientists i...
Researchers used human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids to model nephronophthisis, revealing the Hippo signaling pathway's role in fibrosis. Inhibiting this pathway with drugs like verteporfin shows promise as a treatment option.
Researchers at Kyoto University create a method to produce platelet-producing cells from stem cells, offering an unlimited supply of patient-derived platelets. Monitoring KAT7 levels can help ensure efficient and consistent platelet manufacturing.
The ISSCR, SDB, and the Allen Institute are hosting a three-day scientific symposium featuring early-career scientists, focusing on cross-disciplinary exchange and amplifying emerging leaders in developmental biology and stem cell science. Confirmed topics include data analysis, model systems, spatial awareness, and cell fates.
A clinical trial published by The BMJ raised concerns over data irregularities, age criteria violations, and undeclared conflicts of interest. The BMJ has placed an expression of concern on the paper and will investigate fully with institutions and regulatory authorities as necessary.
Scientists at The University of Osaka developed a novel hydrogel that supports the efficient 3D culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells. This new material combines the properties of fibrin and laminin-511, creating a potent, xeno-free scaffold with strong cell adhesion.
Researchers successfully converted human stomach cells into insulin-secreting cells in mice, helping to control blood sugar levels and alleviate diabetes. The approach could potentially be used to treat patients with lost or dysfunctional pancreatic beta cells.
The ISSCR and SCN are partnering to develop a global conversation on workforce development in regenerative medicine, examining current challenges and identifying skills gaps. The joint initiative aims to build the talent required for continued discovery and innovation in the field.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research invites you to celebrate 20 years of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) discovery and chart its future. The symposium features keynote speakers, featured sessions, and presentations on cutting-edge research.
Researchers from Kyoto University have found that immature oligodendrocyte progenitor cells can switch fate to restore blood flow after stroke. These low-oxygen-conditioned OPCs migrate to the stroke region and survive, promoting new blood vessel formation and partially restoring brain function.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discover a gene called HMGN1 that disrupts DNA packaging and regulation, leading to heart malformations in people with Down syndrome. Removing the extra copy of HMGN1 from mice with Down syndrome prevents heart defects, paving the way for potential treatments.
The acquisition unifies genetics and stem cell research expertise to accelerate discovery and translate science into therapies. Researchers will gain access to advanced platforms, including the NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array, to study disease mechanisms and test treatments.
Researchers at UIC discovered that platelet factor 4 helps regulate hematopoietic stem cell division and proliferation. Adding the protein to old blood cells reversed signs of aging in mice and human stem cells, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for preventing or improving age-related disorders.
The ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting will bring together academic and industry leaders to explore advances in stem cell science and regenerative medicine. Scientists can submit abstracts by February 25, 2026, for oral presentations and Travel and Merit Awards.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has released a comprehensive guide to accelerate the translation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies into clinical trials and commercial use. The guidance outlines key principles and decision points for developing safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant products.
The ASAP study found that transplantation as soon as possible does not provide a survival advantage over remission induction, but reduces hospital stays and chemotherapy exposure. Age and AML genetics are the most important risk factors influencing survival.
The journal has appointed 13 distinguished researchers from around the world to expand its representation across stem cell science disciplines. The new Editorial Board members include experts in basic biology, translational research, clinical application, and ethical considerations.
Scientists successfully derive and maintain self-renewing and pluripotent ESCs from chickens and seven other bird species using a growing medium of egg yolk. The study holds promise for applications in studying embryonic development, producing lab-grown poultry, and reviving endangered birds.
A USC Stem Cell-led team has successfully generated lab-grown kidney structures, or organoids, that exhibit kidney-like functions such as blood filtration and urine production. The 'assembloids' achieved maturity levels comparable to newborn mouse kidneys, paving the way for developing new therapies for patients awaiting transplant.
Research with human fetal tissue has been instrumental in advancing biomedicine and saving millions of lives. The ISSCR asserts that this work is essential for understanding human development, infertility, and diseases like diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
The ISSCR and NCOB will conduct an international horizon scan on stem cell research, gathering insights into the field's future and its ethical implications. The analysis will inform the ISSCR Guidelines and support researchers, clinicians, and regulators worldwide.