Sanford Stem Cell Institute UC San Diego

Stem Cell Biology Industry Trends | Tiffani Manolis This episode features our conversation with Tiffani Manolis, vice president and general manager of the cell biology business at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Our discussion highlights her passion for cell biology and innovative trends in the gene and cell therapy industry, with a focus on advancing technologies that support the development of life-changing therapeutics. Tiffani is an experienced leader in the life sciences industry in her current role and joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2022 to lead the cell culture and cell therapy business. Prior to this role, Tiffani held various leadership positions at Agilent Technologies from 2015 to 2022, including vice president and general manager, and associate vice president of marketing for the chemistries division. Tiffani's career also includes significant roles at Bio-Rad Laboratories and USA Scientific. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 16, 2025, and information presented is current as of this date.

Tune in to learn about innovative stem cell biology trends in our latest reGEN Podcast 🎙️ conversation with Tiffani Manolis from @thermofishersci.bsky.social. Watch here bit.ly/3MApmFZ or listen where you find your podcasts.

RNA and Stem Cell Innovations | Gene Yeo, PhD, MBA Our conversation with Gene Yeo, PhD, MBA, features a deep dive into his innovative work with RNA, gene editing and intersection of stem cells and regenerative medicine. We discuss what’s on the horizon for discoveries and industry-based opportunities. Yeo serves as the director of the Sanford Stem Cell Innovation Center with the goal to facilitate industry growth by leveraging research findings and developed technologies to support the commercialization of applications through strategic collaboration with industry partners. Yeo’s work focuses on high-throughput genomics, systems biology approaches, engineering, and statistical and machine learning methods, as well as biochemical, molecular, and stem cell biology techniques, to solve problems in RNA processing. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA. This episode was recorded on Sept. 22, 2025, and all information is current as of the date of recording.

bit.ly/3M54NRS Learn about innovative and groundbreaking research with RNA, gene editing and stem cells in our latest reGEN Podcast conversation featuring @geneyeo.bsky.social, PhD, MBA. Watch here or listen where you find your podcasts. #stemcells #RNA #sciencepodcast

A Closer Look at...Stem Cells and Human Longevity Can we live not only longer but healthier lives? Robert A.J. Signer and Shiri Gur-Cohen explore how stem cell research may unlock the secrets of longevity. Signer discusses the critical role stem cells play in combating aging-related diseases, such as cancer and immune system decline, by boosting their regenerative abilities. His work on hematopoietic stem cells and “super stem cells,” which better manage cellular waste, shows promise for delaying aging and preventing disease. Dr. Shiri Gur-Cohen examines how vascular and lymphatic systems support stem cell health, revealing new strategies for enhancing longevity and reversing the effects of aging. Don’t miss this in-depth look at the future of aging and human health. [8/2024] [Show ID: 39869] Donate to UCTV to support informative & inspiring programming: https://www.uctv.tv/donate Please Note: Knowledge about health and medicine is constantly evolving. This information may become out of date. More videos from: A Closer Look (https://www.uctv.tv/closer-look) More from: Stem Cell Channel (https://www.uctv.tv/stem-cell) Explore More Health & Medicine on UCTV (https://www.uctv.tv/health) UCTV features the latest in health and medicine from University of California medical schools. Find the information you need on cancer, transplantation, obesity, disease and much more. Explore More Science & Technology on UCTV (https://www.uctv.tv/science) Science and technology continue to change our lives. University of California scientists are tackling the important questions like climate change, evolution, oceanography, neuroscience and the potential of stem cells. UCTV is the broadcast and online media platform of the University of California, featuring programming from its ten campuses, three national labs and affiliated research institutions. UCTV explores a broad spectrum of subjects for a general audience, including science, health and medicine, public affairs, humanities, arts and music, business, education, and agriculture. Launched in January 2000, UCTV embraces the core missions of the University of California -- teaching, research, and public service – by providing quality, in-depth television far beyond the campus borders to inquisitive viewers around the world. (https://www.uctv.tv) 00:00 Start 00:23 Dr. Robert Signer 01:52 Looking For The Fountain Of Youth 06:40 Blood Forming Stem Cells 10:21 Proteins 17:39 Secret to Longevity 20:58 Dr. Shiri Gur-Cohen 25:36 Skin 29:10 Hair Follicles 33:08 Is The Vascular System the Key? 41:08 Tricking Old Stem Cells 45:51 The Fountain of Youth in the Vascular System? 47:28 Questions and Answers

🧫 Can stem cell research unlock the secrets to living longer + healthier? 📺 Watch “A Closer Look at Stem Cells and Human Longevity” w/our @signerlab.bsky.social + Shiri Gur-Cohen on UCTV to find out — a must-watch for 2026, according to the channel. Video @ bit.ly/49mrgCQ; list @ bit.ly/45hBj9U.

Stem Cell Clinical Trials: Behind the Scenes with Julissa Gonzalez at UC San Diego This episode features our conversation with Julissa Gonzalez, MS, who serves as the clinical research data manager at the UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center. Her work helps frame and prepare insights into stem cell-related clinical trials. Our discussion explores information the public may not readily know about preparing for and administering therapeutics via clinical trials, including unique perspectives on validation, analyses, and patient care outcomes. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA. This episode was recorded on June 2, 2025, and information is current as of the date of this recording.

Get a behind the scenes look at stem cell and related clinical trials at our @cirmnews.bsky.social Alpha Clinic and Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center with Julissa Gonzalez, MS, in our latest reGEN Podcast episode. View here or listen where you find your podcasts: bit.ly/49y2EY1

Triple-negative breast #cancer is aggressive & difficult to treat. Thanks to the work of our @geneyeo.bsky.social, PhD, MBA, a new potential therapeutic target has been ID'ed: the protein PUF60. 🙌 Knocking it down dealt a substantial blow to cancer cells — but not healthy ones. More @ bit.ly/4jIXRq6

What causes early-onset colon cancer? New research offers clues Doctors are seeing colon cancer in people in their 20s and 30s. New research suggests it starts in infancy.

🧬 The research of our Ludmil Alexandrov, PhD, is highlighted in a recent @businessinsider.com piece on rising rates of aggressive colon #cancer in otherwise healthy young adults. One potential contributor, according to Alexandrov: childhood E. coli infection. 🦠 Read the full piece @ bit.ly/49JBqxp.

🙌 A $7.4 million California Institute for Regenerative Medicine grant awarded to SSCI expert Stephanie Cherqui, PhD, and team will ready a revolutionary new treatment — a stem cell-based gene therapy for Friedreich’s ataxia — for clinical trial. 🎉 More: bit.ly/4jw1qiY. H/t @cirmnews.bsky.social

Top Cell Biology Stories of 2025 Find out which cell biology stories grabbed the most interest this last year.

🦠 Last year saw fascinating developments in cell biology. 👀 Among those capturing the most public interest at The Scientist: SSCI Director Catriona Jamieson’s research on stem cell aging in space. 🛰️ Read more about her impactful work at bit.ly/4qamL4n. 🧫

Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance | Marisa Korody, PhD Marisa Korody, PhD, serves San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as a scientist in conservation genetics, working on the northern white rhino rescue project. She works closely with collaborators at The Scripps Research Institute to optimize the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from banked rhino fibroblast cells in the Frozen Zoo® for potential use in assisted reproductive technologies. This episode was recorded on Aug. 13, 2025, and information is current as of the date of recording. Hosted by Bobby Gordon.

🎧 Tune in for our reGEN Podcast episode with Marisa Korody, PhD, as we discuss conservation genetics at the @sandiegozoo.bsky.social. Her team's groundbreaking work uses #stemcells to help save the northern white rhino 🦏 from extinction. Watch bit.ly/4pUe7H2 or listen where you get your podcasts.

🌍 International research collaborations help avoid duplication of effort, speed progress and spread new knowledge. Our recent Hertzberg-Schechter Stem Cell Workshop did just that, uniting U.S. experts with those from Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science. More @ bit.ly/4p5uEGV. 🔬

Best. Present. Ever! 🎁 A toddler born with a deadly rare genetic disorder who received a personalized gene therapy earlier this year thanks to our Alexis Komor, PhD, et al., is home from the hospital and walking — just in time for the holidays! 🥳

Scientists Uncover Key Driver of Treatment-Resistant Cancer UC San Diego scientists have identified the enzyme that shatters cancer genomes and helps them evolve to resist treatment, solving a longstanding mystery in the molecular biology of cancer.

🔬 Chromosome-shattering is one reason some #cancer cells evolve rapidly & resist treatment. For 15 years, the cause was unknown. Our Frank Furnari, PhD, & Ludmil Alexandrov, PhD, as well as other @ucsandiego.bsky.social researchers, solve the mystery this month in @science.org: bit.ly/4paoNA1

From Wish to Reality — The Gene Therapy Initiative at UC San Diego A young patient’s wish sparks a decades long partnership that leads UC San Diego to pioneer life changing gene therapies, transforming cystinosis care and advancing treatments for many diseases.

🎉 Did you know? SSCI’s Alysson Muotri & Stephanie Cherqui co-direct the Gene Therapy Initiative at @ucsandiego.bsky.social, which has helped fund the work of our Dan Kaufman & @geneyeo.bsky.social. It all started 2 decades ago w/the birthday wish of a girl w/a rare disorder. 🎂 More: bit.ly/4aswL3X

👏 We're proud to announce that SSCI’s Ludmil B. Alexandrov and team are recipients of Curebound's $1 Million Cure Prize for their work to detect pancreatic #cancer early. Major congrats to @signerlab.bsky.social and Frank Furnari, too, for receiving Discovery grants. More @ bit.ly/44RFedp

👩‍🚀 What are the health effects of space on astronauts? Our Catriona Jamieson, MD, PhD, sheds light on the topic in a new @cp-cellstemcell.bsky.social article. Her work — the 1st comprehensive study of stem cell health in astronauts — provides answers NASA Twins couldn't: bit.ly/3KsuyLe

Astronauts working on cure for motor neurone disease from space Radiation and lack of gravity help scientists research brain disease as cells prematurely age in the orbiting laboratories

Alysson Muotri, PhD, was recently featured in The Telegraph: “Space can accelerate the senescence of human brain cells, compressing the research time,” and he thinks it's “very likely” that a cure for motor neurone disease may be found by research in space bit.ly/43ALEgg

Stem Cells, Space and the Future of Regenerative Medicine: Inside the 2025 SSCI Symposium The 2025 Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) symposium at UC San Diego brought together an extraordinary group of scientists, clinicians, innovators and patients united by a shared vision: harnessing t...

The 2025 UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Institute symposium brought together over 700 extraordinary scientists, clinicians, innovators and patients united by a shared vision: harnessing the power of stem cells to heal, regenerate and transform medicine. bit.ly/4hKs9rn

Stem Cells, Space and the Future of Regenerative Medicine: Inside the 2025 SSCI Symposium The 2025 Sanford Stem Cell Institute (SSCI) symposium at UC San Diego brought together an extraordinary group of scientists, clinicians, innovators and patients united by a shared vision: harnessing…

The 2025 @ucsdstemcells.bsky.social symposium at @UCSanDiego.bsky.social brought together an extraordinary group of #scientists, #clinicians, #innovators and #patients united by a shared vision: harnessing the power of #stemcells to heal, regenerate and transform #medicine.

buff.ly/mrK9GM1

Congratulations to Alexis Komor, PhD, for being honored with the 2025 Advanced Science Young Innovator Award. Komor is working to develop new precision genome editing methodologies to functionally interrogate how specific point mutations contribute to human disease. #stemcells #CRISPR bit.ly/49cBtly

Alex Khalessi, MD, MBA | Stem Cell Therapy and Neurological Disorders Our discussion in this episode features Alex Khalessi, MD, MBA, and his innovative work on the intersection between stem cell therapies, regenerative medicine, and neurological disorders. He serves as co-director of the Brain Tumor and Neurorestoration Program at the Sanford Stem Cell Institute. Khalessi is the current president of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and is chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, professor of neurological surgery, radiology and neurosciences and the inaugural Don and Karen Cohn Chancellor’s Endowed Chair in Neurosurgery at UC San Diego. As a board-certified neurosurgeon, he specializes in complex cranial surgery, endovascular neurosurgery, stroke care, and neurological oncology. Hosted by Bobby Gordon. This episode was recorded Aug. 15, 2025; information presented was current as of the date of recording.

Watch our latest reGEN Podcast conversation with Alexander Khalessi, MD, MBA as we discuss innovations in stem cell therapies and neurological disorders. Listen and subscribe on wherever you find your podcasts. #stemcells #neurological #UCSD #UCSanDiego bit.ly/3Jm4Lnj

YouTube video by FOX 5 San Diego 100 high school students attend UCSD STEM event

We hosted local high school students this week in our labs and facilities for our annual Stem Cell Awareness Day. Thank you Fox 5 San Diego for the feature story! www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmvf... #stemcells #STEM #UCSD #UCSanDiego

Fred “Rusty” Gage, PhD, with the @salkinstitute.bsky.social presents “Neural Stem Cells” at our annual symposium on Oct. 16, 9:05 a.m. PT. Register to watch his keynote online at bit.ly/4n1D5m9. #stemcells #brain #UCSD #UCSanDiego

Join us for the “Stem Cell Biology, Development and Aging” keynote from Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, PhD, on Oct. 17, 9:15 a.m. PT. His work at @altoslabs.bsky.social includes developing therapeutics to overcome disease and aging. Register to join online for our annual symposium bit.ly/4n1D5m9.

Tune in online as Andreas Trumpp, PhD shares his keynote “Cancer Stem Cells” on Friday, Oct. 17, at 3:25 p.m. Trumpp is the managing director of the German Cancer Research Center. Online virtual registration is still open for our annual symposium at bit.ly/4n1D5m9. #stemcells #cancer #UCSD

👩🏻‍🔬 @columbiauniversity.bsky.social's Tannishtha Reya, PhD, is known for being part of a team that coined the term "cancer stem cell" in @Nature in 2001. Hear her speak on stem cells & precancer 4:35 – 5:40 p.m. PT Thursday, Oct. 16, @ our annual symposium! Get no-cost virtual tix @ bit.ly/4n1D5m9. 🧫

👩🏼‍🚀 We’re excited to announce the addition of retired NASA astronaut Kate Rubins, a microbiologist in the U.S. Army Reserve, to our 2025 symposium lineup. She’ll speak at a fireside chat Oct. 16, 2:05–3:05 p.m. PT — and you can listen in! Register for your no-cost virtual tickets at bit.ly/4n1D5m9. ☄️

Pinar Mesci, PhD | Innovative Stem Cell Research in Space This episode is a robust conversation with Pinar Mesci, PhD, the Senior Program Manager for In-Space Manufacturing at Axiom Space. Our discussion includes her postdoctoral work with Alysson Muotri, PhD, at UC San Diego and her ongoing work leading and facilitating space-based research in low-Earth orbit. Previously, Dr Mesci was a project scientist at UC San Diego studying human neurodevelopment using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Her career includes experience in translational and biomedical research with a track record of publications in the fields of neuroscience, stem cells, inflammation, Zika virus and coronavirus infections. Dr. Mesci holds a patent for the development of methods to generate functional human brain organoids. In 2021, she received the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) Innovation Award for her work studying the immune interactions in Rett Syndrome using iPSCs. Hosted by Bobby Gordon. This episode was recorded Aug. 8, 2025; information presented was current as of the date of recording.

🎧 Watch our latest reGEN Podcast episode with Pinar Mesci, PhD, MSc from Axiom Space, "Innovative Stem Cell Research in Space." 🚀 bit.ly/42l9Ane You can find our podcast on YouTube 📺 and major podcast platforms.

🔬 Don't miss out on NO-COST virtual tickets to the annual @ucsandiego.bsky.social Sanford Stem Cell Institute symposium Oct. 16-17. 👩🏽‍🔬 Keynote speakers include PhDs Tannishtha Reya, Fred Gage, Andreas Trumpp & retired astronaut/microbiologist Kate Rubins. RSVP @ bit.ly/StemCellSymp...

Spaceflight activates ‘dark genome’ in human cells, researcher says | CNN Spaceflight makes certain human stem cells age faster, a study finds, furthering the understanding of the possible effects of space exploration on the human body.

cnn.it/3V6KB2U "Spaceflight activates ‘dark genome’ in human cells," Dr. Catriona Jamieson's recent space-based stem cell research was published this week. #stemcells #regenerativemedicine #NASA #ISS #CNN #cancer #darkgenome #DNA

Spaceflight activates ‘dark genome’ in human cells, researcher says | CNN Spaceflight makes certain human stem cells age faster, a study finds, furthering the understanding of the possible effects of space exploration on the human body.

cnn.it/3V6KB2U "Spaceflight activates ‘dark genome’ in human cells," Dr. Catriona Jamieson's recent space-based stem cell research was published this week. #stemcells #regenerativemedicine #NASA #ISS #CNN #cancer #darkgenome #DNA