Illuminating hPSC-derived Sensory Neurons

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. 

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

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

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

About Stem Cell ReportsStem 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: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRAcross 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 StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerShuangshuang Du, Scientific Programs ManagerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsMegan Koch, Senior Marketing ManagerJack Mosher, Scientific DirectorHunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator