ISSCR News
New Podcast Episode. Crossing the Border: Modeling the Blood Brain Barrier
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.
Registration and Abstract Submission Are Open For ISSCR 2026 in Montréal 8-11 July
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has opened registration and abstract submission for the ISSCR 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place 8-11 July 2026 in Montréal, Canada. The Global Stem Cell Event will bring together academic and industry leaders driving progress in stem cell science and regenerative medicine.
STEMCELL Technologies will co-sponsor the hallmark event, continuing a valued collaboration that underscores the importance of partnership between science and industry in advancing the field.
ISSCR Guide To Stem Cell Treatments Now Available in Brazilian Portuguese
The ISSCR is now pleased to make the Guide to Stem Cell Treatments available in Brazilian Portuguese. The comprehensive resource is designed to empower patients, advocates, healthcare providers, friends, and family members with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions regarding stem cell treatments, alongside their primary care physicians or specialists.
Supporting and Defending Advances in Stem Cell Science
The past weeks have been marked by two important actions that together reflect the mission of the ISSCR: to advance stem cell science responsibly and to defend the integrity of biomedical research.
Professor Brings Global Stem Cell Medicine Course to PhD Scholars in Pakistan
Dr. Asmat Salim, a faculty member at the University of Karachi, recently adapted the ISSCR’s continuing education course, Stem Cell Medicine: From Scientific Research to Patient Care, into a three-week interactive program for 34 Ph.D. students. Combining lectures, discussions, quizzes, and student presentations, the course provides a strong foundation in stem cell medicine while fostering critical thinking and collaboration.
Students described the program as “highly informative, engaging, and inspiring,” highlighting that it opened new research directions and offered “valuable insights into how stem cells hold potential for treating diseases.”
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