In this episode of the Reprogram podcast, Dr. George Murphy and Dr. Gustavo Mostoslavsky delve into the world of stem cells and regenerative medicine. They discuss the fundamental properties of stem cells, their classifications, and the controversies surrounding their use in treatments. The conversation highlights the groundbreaking discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their potential therapeutic applications, as well as the emerging field of organoids. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind stem cells, the ethical implications, and the need for patience as research progresses towards practical applications.

Keywords

stem cells, regenerative medicine, iPSCs, pluripotent, adult stem cells, Shinya Yamanaka, bioartificial organs, stem cell tourism, gene editing, organoids

Takeaways

• Stem cells have two main properties: self-renewal and differentiation.
• Adult stem cells are found in tissues and organs, while pluripotent stem cells can become any cell type.
• iPSCs were discovered by Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, revolutionizing stem cell research.
• Ethical concerns exist around embryonic stem cells, but iPSCs offer a non-controversial alternative.
• Stem cell tourism exploits desperate patients with unproven treatments; Education and awareness are crucial to avoid falling for stem false claims.
• Organoids are miniaturized and simplified versions of organs created in vitro.
• iPSCs are used for disease modeling and have potential therapeutic applications.
• Gene editing, like CRISPR, is advancing stem cell research.
• Bioartificial organs could solve organ transplant shortages in the future.
• The field of stem cell research is rapidly advancing, with many clinical trials underway; The future of stem cell research holds promise for transformative therapies, but patience is needed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

02:21 Defining Stem Cells: Properties and Classifications

07:52 Controversies in Stem Cell Treatments

15:07 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Game Changer

21:44 Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells

30:44 Organoids and Their Applications in the Laboratory

38:47 Future of Stem Cell Research and Applications

Notes:

Seminal Yamanaka iPSC Creation Paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16904174/International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR): https://www.isscr.org/