Dr. Jun Wu is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern. The Wu lab uses interspecies chimeras to study fundamental biology: conserved and divergent developmental programs, determination of body and organ size, species barriers, and cancer resistance. They are also working to develop new applications for regenerative medicine. He talks about developmental compatibility between species, and the similarities and differences between blastoid models and blastocyts. He also discusses the challenges of growing human cells in animals, and human-monkey chimeric embryos.

CAR T Therapy for Fungal Infections – CAR T cells can treat invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in preclinical models.

Stem Cell Quality Control – Scientists discovered that macrophages “cuddle” stem cells upon their arrival to the niche and kill cells with high levels of a stress-activiated protein.

Vaccination for Liver and Lung Fibrosis – Vaccination mounts T cell responses that reduce liver and lung fibrosis in mice.

Controlling Cell Growth with Light – Scientists developed an optogenetic tool to control apical constriction in mammalian tissues.

Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Jun Wu

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