The Stem Cell Report with Janet Rossant

In 2006, Kazutoshi Takahashi and Shinya Yamanaka at Kyoto University published their landmark paper showing that mouse skin cells could be reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state using just four transcription factors. Over the past two decades, this finding has taken the field of stem cell research in many new directions, opening new ways to study human development, understand and engineer cell fate, model disease, and explore new stem cell–based approaches to medicine. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, we invite leaders in the field to reflect on how the discovery of iPS cells has impacted their own research and the field of stem cell research and its applications more broadly. Together, their stories offer personal insights into how iPS cells have changed stem cell research forever.

Guests
Laurent David, Ph.D., Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, France 

Wei Li, Ph.D., State Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Sonja Schrepfer, M.D., Ph.D., Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, USA 

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports 

Supporting Content
Voices: What impact has iPSC technology had on your research and/or field?, Stem Cell Reports, October 2026

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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. X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.

ISSCR Staff
Keith Alm, Shuangshuang Du, Kym Kilbourne, Megan Koch, Jack Mosher, and Hunter Reed

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an intricate network of neurons and glia lining the gastrointestinal tract, regulating digestion and overall health. Loss of ENS neurons, as occurs in Hirschsprung disease, leads to intestinal obstruction, and treatment options remain limited. One therapeutic approach for the disease is stimulating resident stem cells to regenerate the ENS, and another is through cell therapy to replace the missing cells — but significant challenges remain in translating either one into treatments. Our guests today think about ENS repair through these two complementary lenses using zebrafish and stem cell-derived ENS neurons. Together, their work deepens our understanding of how the ENS develops, matures, and regenerates, and lays the groundwork for future therapies.

Guests
Julia Ganz, PhD, Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, USA 

Mujahid Ali Shah, PhD, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology, Aarhus University, Denmark 

Marlene Hao, PhD, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Australia 

Lincon Stamp, PhD, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Australia  

Eve Sullivan Rowland, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Australia

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports 

Supporting Content | Paper Links
Optimized chemogenetic ablation and regeneration of enteric nervous system neurons in zebrafish, Stem Cell Reports, 2026

Functional maturation of enteric neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, Stem Cell Reports, 2026

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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. X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.

ISSCR Staff
Keith Alm, Shuangshuang Du, Kym Kilbourne, Megan Koch, Jack Mosher, and Hunter Reed

Bosma arhinia microphthalmia syndrome (BAMS) is a rare genetic disorder resulting in babies born without a nose, along with eye and reproductive anomalies. Our guests today investigated the developmental basis of this distinct defect using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with BAMS. They assessed the differentiation potential of BAMS patient-derived iPSCs into cranial placode cells, a group of progenitor cells that contribute to the formation of the nasal epithelium. This allowed them to study the behavior of the nasal epithelial cells during early development. Their work uncovered cellular mechanisms underlying BAMS and provided new insights into the developmental processes that shape the human nose. 

Guests
Shifeng Xue is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore (NUS). She received her Ph.D. in developmental biology from the University of California, San Francisco, where she trained with Maria Barna, and then completed her postdoctoral research at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore. She is the recipient of the 2018 Young Scientist Award of the Singapore National Academy of Science.  

Vanitha Venkoba Rao worked as a Research Fellow at NUS from 2020 to 2025. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from NUS and subsequently held research positions at inStem and Pandorum Technologies in India, before joining the Xue lab.

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports 

Supporting Document
Cranial placode differentiation defect in individuals born without a nose, Stem Cell Reports, 2026

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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. X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.

ISSCR Staff
Keith Alm, Shuangshuang Du, Kym Kilbourne, Megan Koch, Jack Mosher, and Hunter Reed

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by COVID-19 was a leading cause of severe illness and death during the pandemic, driven by an intense innate immune response, hyperinflammation, and a decrease in lymphocytes. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a potential therapeutic option for ARDS due to their ability to modulate the immune system and inflammation. Our guests report results from a Health Canada–regulated Phase I and Phase II trials evaluating freshly cultured umbilical cord–derived MSCs in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS, including assessments of safety, maximum feasible tolerated dose, and preliminary efficacy. Their work explores a therapeutic strategy to improve ARDS outcomes using MSCs, which will be important for optimizing and targeting future cellular therapies.

Guest
Duncan Stewart, MD, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and University of Ottawa, Canada
Elmira Safaie Qamsari, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner Foundation

Supporting Documents
Paper link: Cellular immunotherapy for COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome: Results of the CIRCA-19 phase 1 safety and phase 2 randomized controlled trials 

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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. X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.

ISSCR Staff
Keith Alm, Shuangshuang Du, Kym Kilbourne, Megan Koch, Jack Mosher, and Hunter Reed

Five years ago, The Stem Cell Report set out with a simple goal: to bring the science, the people, and the stories behind stem cell research into one conversation. Since then, the field has advanced at an extraordinary pace—transforming our understanding of development, disease, and regenerative medicine.

To celebrate, we’re doing something special. In this anniversary episode, we welcome back past guests—scientists, clinicians, and authors—to revisit where their work began, explore how it’s evolved, and look ahead to what’s next.

Guests
Lawrence Goldstein, PhD, University of California San Diego (Emeritus), USA
Charles Murry, MD, PhD, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA
Clare Parish, PhD, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and University of Melbourne, Australia
Martin Pera, PhD, The Jackson Laboratory, USA 

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner Foundation

Previous Podcasts
Parkinson’s Disease, Cell Therapy, and Exercise
Human Fetal Tissue: A Legacy of Biomedical Research Contributions
Mending a Broken Heart 

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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. X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.

ISSCR Staff
Keith Alm, Shuangshuang Du, Kym Kilbourne, Megan Koch, Jack Mosher, and Hunter Reed

Our guests today created new lab models to study Merkel cells using mouse whisker tissue cultures, mouse skin organoids, and human skin organoids. These models allowed them to study Merkel cells as they develop, validate the role of known signaling pathways, and even identify some new ones. Their work provides easier access to Merkel cells for future studies including disease models to understand the pathophysiology of these cells.  

Guests
Ying Xiao, PhD, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China 
Chaochen Wang, PhD, Zhejiang University - University of Edinburgh Institute, China
Huipu Yuan, MD, PhD, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China
Yajun Zhang, Zhejiang University - University of Edinburgh Institute, China 

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner Foundation

Supporting Content
Paper link: An innovative in vitro system unveils IGF1R signaling regulating Merkel cell generation, Stem Cell Reports

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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. X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.

ISSCR Staff
Keith Alm, Chief Executive Officer
Shuangshuang Du, Scientific Programs Manager
Yvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell Reports
Kym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic Communications
Megan Koch, Senior Marketing Manager
Jack Mosher, Scientific Director
Hunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator 

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are transforming the study of biology and disease by enabling scientists to grow large amounts of specific cell types in the lab that were once difficult to obtain. Our guests today focus on improving the derivation and study of sensory neurons, which are sparse and diverse nerve cells near the spine that carry information like pain, touch, or position of the body to the brain. Damage to these neurons or sensory neuropathies, as can happen in diabetes or infections, is estimated to affect millions of people worldwide, yet treatments are limited. To improve the generation of human sensory neurons, the authors developed a genetic toolkit to fluorescently label these individual cells and their subtypes. This approach enables more precise study of these subtypes, their roles in disease, and potentially the development of treatments for sensory neuropathies. 

Guests
Joriene C. de Nooij, PhD, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, USA
Eti Malka-Gibor, PhD, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, USA 

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner Foundation

Supporting Content
Paper link: Derivation and analysis of human somatic sensory neuron subtypes facilitated through fluorescent hPSC reporters," Stem Cell Reports

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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. X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.

ISSCR Staff
Keith Alm, Chief Executive Officer
Shuangshuang Du, Scientific Programs Manager
Yvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell Reports
Kym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic Communications
Megan Koch, Senior Marketing Manager
Jack Mosher, Scientific Director
Hunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator 

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is an important mechanism in development and disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most prevalent epigenetic modifications for RNA and has been shown to play critical roles in processes such as embryo development, cancer, and stress responses. Our guests today investigate how m6A regulates X chromosome dosage compensation to ensure proper balance of gene expression from X chromosomes between sexes. X-chromosome dosage compensation is accomplished through two complementary mechanisms. First, X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) silences one of the two X chromosomes in female cells. Second, the remaining active X chromosome is transcriptionally upregulated so that its gene expression levels are balanced with those of the autosomes, a process known as X-to-autosome (X-to-A) compensation. The authors dissect the distinct contributions of m6A RNA methylation to XCI versus X-to-A compensation across multiple embryonic lineages, providing deeper insights into the epigenetic regulation of early development.

Guests
Srimonta Gayen, PhD, Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, India

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner Foundation

Supporting Content
Paper link: "The role of m6A RNA methylation in the maintenance of X chromosome inactivation and X-to-autosome dosage compensation in early embryonic lineages," Stem Cell Reports

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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. X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
Across more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.

ISSCR Staff
Keith Alm, Chief Executive Officer
Shuangshuang Du, Scientific Programs Manager
Yvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell Reports
Kym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic Communications
Megan Koch, Senior Marketing Manager
Jack Mosher, Scientific Director
Hunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator

The human intestinal epithelial barrier comprises diverse proliferative, secretory and absorptive cell types that facilitate nutrient digestion and absorption and protect against harmful environmental agents. The barrier and its function can vary between individuals due to genetic differences thus impact processes such as digestion, drug metabolism, and drug sensitivity. Our guests today investigated the effect of diverse culture conditions on the cell type composition, gene expression profiles, and maturation status of human pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal epithelial cells in three different model systems. Their research provides insight into the relevant conditions and systems for modeling specific intestinal functions and highlights the importance of personalized intestinal model systems. 

Guests

Sebo Withoff is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. 

Iris Jonkers is an Adjunct Professor and Rosalind Franklin Fellow in the Department of Genetics at University of Groningen in the Netherlands. 

Renée Moerkens is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Ombion in the Netherlands. 

Joram Mooiweer is a PhD Student in the Department of Genetics at the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands. 

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner Foundation

Supporting Content

Gene expression profiling reveals enhanced nutrient and drug metabolism and maturation of hiPSC-derived intestine-on-chip relative to organoids and Transwells

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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.
X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
With nearly 5,000 members from more than 80 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 Staff
Keith Alm, Chief Executive Officer
Yvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell Reports
Kym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic Communications
Megan Koch, Senior Marketing Manager
Jack Mosher, Scientific Director
Hunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, is organized into a neurovascular unit that regulates the exchange of proteins between blood circulation and brain parenchyma. Human stem-cell-based models using brain endothelial cells are a powerful tool to investigate how disease-related conditions might affect the blood-brain barrier integrity. However, the cell type composition is critical to faithfully model transcytosis across the blood-brain barrier. Our guests today developed a blood-brain model using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived endothelial cells with brain-specific identity. Using this model they were able to investigate how disease risk factors affect intracellular transport and reveal a new role for ApoE4 in the regulation of iron metabolism at the blood-brain barrier. 

Guests
Roberto Villaseñor, Principal Scientist and Laboratory Head of the Brain Delivery, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases at the Roche Innovation Center in Basel, Switzerland 

Martina Pigoni, Senior Discovery Scientist at Roche Innovation Center in Basel, Switzerland 

Host
Janet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner Foundation

Supporting Content
ApoE4 disrupts intracellular trafficking and iron homeostasis in a reproducible iPSC-based model of human brain endothelial cells, Stem Cell Reports

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed 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.
X: @StemCellReports

About ISSCR
With nearly 5,000 members from more than 80 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 Staff
Keith Alm, Chief Executive Officer
Yvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell Reports
Kym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic Communications
Megan Koch, Senior Marketing Manager
Jack Mosher, Scientific Director
Hunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator