Ira Espuny-Camacho – VJRegenMed

The role of hematopoietic stem cells in regenerative medicine

Simon Ng — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:32:56 +0000

Ira Espuny-Camacho, PhD, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium, discusses using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in disease models and clinical therapies. She highlights how human stem cell-based models may yield more accurate data and lead to more efficacious therapies than current animal models. Therapies based on HSCs additionally have many advantages, as they can be easily mass-produced and can differentiate into various cell types such as cardiomyocytes and retinal pigment epithelia for different indications. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

Identifying issues associated with HSCs

Simon Ng — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:32:54 +0000

Ira Espuny-Camacho, PhD, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium, provides an overview of potential challenges in using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Whilst HSCs can be easily manufactured and are versatile, HSCs derived from embryonic stem cells pose a problem due to ethical concerns. The risk of tumorigenesis as a result of epigenetic instability and immunogenicity are additional issues that need to be overcome, where developing autologous HSC-based therapies will be especially advantageous compared to allogeneic therapies. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).

Applications of brain organoids in neurology

Simon Ng — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 10:32:52 +0000

Ira Espuny-Camacho, PhD, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium, describes the development of brain organoids as disease models. Organoids formed from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can mimic the 3D architecture of the brain and can provide an insight into cortical development without any external stimuli. Using brain organoids can subsequently serve as models for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).