ISSCR News
New Podcast Episode. Stem Cells in Space: Muscle Regeneration in Microgravity
Skeletal muscle is one of the most abundant tissues in the human body, representing approximately 40% of body weight. Under certain circumstances, skeletal muscle can be regenerated through satellite cells, a reservoir of quiescent muscle stem cells, that can be activated with injury or in certain diseases and give rise to newly formed multi-nucleated myotubes and myofibers. However, the regenerative potential of muscle is diminished or is completely absent in the course of normal aging, certain diseases, and space travel. For example, time spent in microgravity can have a profound impact on human physiology, especially the muscular system, as astronauts lose up to 20% of their lean muscle mass and up to half of their strength.
The identification of countermeasures against the effects of muscle regeneration, including microgravity, is an increasing priority for an aging population and continued space travel. Experiments in microgravity, conducted on the International Space Station, offer a unique opportunity to understand muscle regeneration and the effects of microgravity. Our guests today will discuss muscle regeneration, their muscle-on-a-chip platform that mimics salient aspects of impaired muscle regeneration, and the feasibility of drug screening in microgravity.
Member Spotlight: Uta Grieshammer, PhD
ISSCR creates very useful content, such as guidelines, standards, webinars, and I value having access to that.
ISSCR Remembers Pete Coffey
The global stem cell community mourns the loss of Professor Pete Coffey, a world-renowned eye researcher. Professor Coffey pioneered regenerative treatments for vision loss, including the landmark London Project to Cure Blindness, and authored key studies demonstrating the potential of stem cell-derived therapies for age-related macular degeneration. His groundbreaking 2018 clinical study, published in Nature Biotechnology, provided the first convincing evidence of restored vision using a transplanted pluripotent stem cell product. Widely recognized for his contributions, he received numerous awards, including the CIRM Leadership Award and the Robertson Stem Cell Prize. Professor Coffey passed away last week following a long illness. Dr. Coffey was an active ISSCR member contributing to advocacy efforts on behalf of the field and presenting his work at ISSCR meetings.
ISSCR Remembers James Till
The global stem cell community remembers the life and profound contributions of James Till, who passed away on May 18 at the age of 94. Alongside the late Ernest McCulloch, Dr. Till conducted pioneering research in the 1960s that proved the existence of stem cells, laying the groundwork for bone marrow transplantation, regenerative medicine, and stem cell-based therapies. His transformative discoveries revolutionized biomedical science by identifying blood-forming stem cells and the principle of self-renewal. A dedicated educator and leader, Dr. Till also advanced research in cancer care ethics and patient decision-making. His legacy endures through the many accolades he received and the global impact of his scientific vision and mentorship.
Member Spotlight: Robert Zweigerdt, PhD
Being ISSCR member for 25 years is like being part of the leading global network in stem cell science, which has turned into an “dynamic, growing family” over the years.
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