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Shinya Yamanaka

Nobel laureate Shinya Yamanaka presented his visions at the GSCN Conference 2022

Yamanaka at GSCN Conference

Nobel Prize Laureate Shinya Yamanaka gave a keynote at the GSCN Conference 2022 in Münster - a highlight for the GSCN.

Audience at GSCN Conference

Around 500 participants joined the GSCN Conference in Münster

GSCN Public Outreach Event

At a packed public outreach event in Münster Hans Schöler, Oliver Brüstle, Carsten Müller-Tidow and Elvira Mass discussed stem cell research and therapies.

Upcoming GSCN events

4 April 2024 :   16:15 - 17:30 h lectures ; 17:30 - 19 h: social event with drinks and snacks ➚  Zoom link ↓  Flyer  

External Speaker:  Marius Ader , CRTD TU Dresden Titel:   Cell replacement in the retina - optimising photoreceptor and RPE transplantation

Berlin Speaker:   Maike Sander , Max Delbrück Centrum (MDC), Berlin Titel:  Understanding and treating diabetes with islet stem cell models  

Great UniStem Day 2024 in Germany

Berlin: 150 students, three research talks by Milad Rezvani (Charité), Simone Spuler (MDC, Charité), Sina Bartfeld (TU Berlin), 12 workshops on all aspects from ethics, hands on laboratory experiments, guided tours to Biotech start-ups, gene and cell therapies, ....  In many other cities as Munich, Hannover,Heidelberg, NRW and Jena UniStem Days took place with high school students getting insight into stem cell research. A highlight day of science communication and for the public engagement of stem cell scientists!

Find more impressions here .

New ISSCR patients' guide about stem cell treatments

The ISSCR has published an updated guide about stemcell treatments with ressourceful information for patients, recommendations for questions and considerations before deciding on a stemcell therapie and the risk of unproven stemcell therapies.  The educational resource empowers patients and the public with trusted, essential stem cell knowledge to make informed health decisions. The Guide was written by international scientists. Find more information in English and German here .

GSCN Civey survey on human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research

EN ( ➙ DE ) The German Stem Cell Network (GSCN) has identified changing societal attitudes in Germany towards human embryonic stem cell research in an online survey. When the Stem Cell Act was passed nearly 20 years ago, society stood behind the ban on generating human embryonic stem cells in Germany or using them for research (with few exceptions). Today, things look different: The majority of respondents, but especially all survey participants with a proven interest in life sciences, affirm research with human embryonic stem cells and also support the generation and import of current stem cell lines. They are convinced that the German Embryo Protection Act of 1990 and the Stem Cell Act of 2007 should be amended to a more research-positive wording. More information and the data of the survey ➙   here .

DE: Das German Stem Cell Network (GSCN) hat bei einer Online-Umfrage veränderte gesellschaftliche Einstellungen in Deutschland zur Forschung mit humanen embryonalen Stammzellen festgestellt. Als vor knapp 20 Jahren das Stammzellgesetz verabschiedet wurde, stand die Gesellschaft hinter dem Verbot, in Deutschland humane embryonale Stammzellen herzustellen oder für die Forschung (mit wenigen Ausnahmen) zu verwenden. Heute sieht das anders aus: Die Mehrheit der Befragten, ganz besonders aber alle Umfrageteilnehmer*innen mit ausgewiesenem Interesse an Lebenswissenschaften, bejahen die Forschung mit humanen embryonalen Stammzellen und befürworten auch die Herstellung und Import von aktuellen Stammzelllinien. Ihrer Überzeugung nach sollten das deutsche Embryonenschutzgesetz von 199o und das Stammzellgesetz von 2007 geändert werden zu einer forschungspositiveren Formulierung. Mehr Informationen und die Daten der Umfrage ➙   hier .

GSCN Awards 2023

The "GSCN 2023 Young Investigator Award" goes to Meike Hohwieler from the Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology at Ulm University Hospital.

The "GSCN 2023 Hilde Mangold Award" goes to Anne Grapin-Botton  from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) in Dresden.

The "GSCN 2023 Publication of the Year Award" goes to  Ruzhica Bogeska, ... Michael D. Milsom from Division of Experimental Hematology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) & HI-STEM, receive the GSCN 2023 Publication of the Year Award for the publication “Inflammatory exposure drives long-lived impairment of hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal activity and accelerated aging” in the journal Cell Stem Cell , Aug. 2022.

GSCN Conference 2023 in Ulm

The 11 th GSCN Conference featured excellent keynote speaker:

It was a an excellent conference with a dense program with national and international highlights, broad poster sessions, many presentations from all fields of stem cell research, two social get-togethers and an exciting  industry exhibition in Ulm. All information  ➙   here

Information for patients

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has published an updated  Guide to Stem Cell Treatment It is central to the society’s mission to share scientifically accurate information to inform patients and families about the current state of stem cell research and potential treatments. The ISSCR aims to further patient safety and public health through our efforts to promote legitimate stem cell research and credible stem cell treatments.

New: GSCN Annual Magazine 2022/23

Stem cell research and diseases iv.

Content:  - Regenerative therapies for skin and cornea - Degenerative muscle diseases - Hair loss and regeneration - Rare diseases - Improving the transparency, reproducibility and ethical conduct of research - and more articles ...

GSCN & BIH initiate "Dialog Platform Stem Cell Research"

Starting in 2021, the  German Stem Cell Network (GSCN)  and the  Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)  have entered into a close cooperation with the foundation of the "Dialog Platform Stem Cell Research". Find the  press release  with more information  here .

Organoids - from stem cells to future technologies

Through this White Paper, the GSCN and the  Interdisciplinary  Research Group (IAG)  Gene Technology Report   of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW) hope to raise public awareness of this research field and stimulate an interdisciplinary public debate on organoids. Read more

Stem Cells for Life - GSCN Exhibition

The GSCN has developed an exhibition for institutes, universities and teachers - 10 posters on topics of current stem cell research like diabetes, organoids, skin, ethics and many more. Each poster is accompanied by a website with videos, factsheets and an interactive quiz to deepen the information. Link to the website in German: Stammzellen - Zellen fürs Leben Link to the website in English: Stem Cells for Life Contact:  [email protected]

Save the date: 

UniStem Day is on 22 March 2024 More information here

Vitamin A may play a central role in stem cell biology and wound repair Source: phys.org , 07.03.2024

Erstes Nashornbaby aus dem Labor überlebt 62 Tage im Mutterleib (GSCN) (DE) Source: Zeit.de , 24.01.2024 Scientific breakthrough may save northern white rhino through surrogacy (GSCN) Source: WashingtonPost.com , 24.01.2024

The Key to Creating Blood Stem Cells May Lie in Your Own Blood Source: ScienceAlert , 08.01.2024

Arche Noah für Stammzellen (GSCN) (DE) Source: MPG.de , 22.12.2023

Science week highlights stem cell advances (GSCN) Source: Pluboard.com , 7.12.2023

Pioneering Stem Cell Therapy for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Shows Promise Source: neurosciencenews.com , 27.11.2023

Wissenschafter plädiert: Keine Furcht vor Embryomodell-Forschung (DE) Source: apa.at , 20.11.2023

First live birth of a chimeric monkey using embryonic stem cell lines Source: Eurekalert.org , 13.11.2023

Stem cells breathe new life into lungs Source: Thescientist.com , 30.10.2023

ISSCR launches website to inform patients and the public about stem cells English & German:  www.aboutstemcells.org

Public support for extending the 14-day rule on human embryo research indicated by foundational dialogue project Source: Eurekalert.org , 26.10.2023

Newly identified stem cells can lure breast cancer to the spine Source: sciencenews.org , 13.10.2023

Patients accept therapy using embryonic stem cells for Parkinson’s disease: a discrete choice experiment Source: BMCmedethics.com , 12.10.2023

For patients and relatives: The ISSCR Guide to Stem Cell Treatments Source: isscr.org , 24.07,2023

Grow-your-own stem cells may repair Parkinson’s damage Source: newatlas.com , 24.07.2023

Bayer claims early lead in Parkinson's stem cell therapy Source: reuters.com , 28.07.2023 Bayer macht Fortschritte mit Parkinson-Zelltherapie (DE) Source: faz.net , 28.07.2023

Scientists debut lab models of human embryos Source: newyorktimes.com , 24.06.2023

Stem cell model of human brain development suggests embryonic origins of Alzheimer's disease Source: medicalxpress.com , 22.06.2023

Stammzell-Experte Hans Schöler: „Den geklonten Menschen wird es nicht geben“ (GSCN) (DE) Source: Frankfurt-live , 22.07.02023

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Regulation of stem cell research in Germany

The derivation of embryonic stem cells is banned but embryonic stem cell lines can be imported specifically for research if the line was generated before a defined cut-off date.

Current legal position

The use of embryos for research is heavily restricted in Germany under the  Embryo Protection Act (Embryonenschutzgesetz) 1991 , which makes the derivation of embryonic stem cell lines a criminal offence.  The embryo is also protected under the  German Constitution  (Grundgesetz). The Basic Law states that “human dignity is inviolable” and that “everyone has the right to life and inviolability of his person.”  Nonetheless, it also states the freedom to pursue science and research. 

German law gives priority to adult stem cells under the  2002 Stem Cell Act (Stammzellgesetz)  but the importation of embryonic stem cell lines into Germany is permitted under strict conditions approved by the German parliament.   The 2002 Act included a ‘cut-off date’ of 1 January 2002 – imported ES cell lines must have been derived before that date.  In 2008, as a result of pressure from scientists,  the act was amended  to move the cut-off point to 1 May 2007.  In addition to these criteria, embryonic stem cell lines can only be used for research if they are vital in developing new medical and scientific knowledge.

Ethical and regulatory oversight

Any applications to import stem cell lines for research must be approved by the  Central Ethics Commission for Stem Cell Research (ZES) , which comprises scientists, physicians and experts in ethics.  The German National Ethics Council (Geschäftsselle des Nationalen Ethikrat), set up in 2007, advises and issues opinions to the government and public alike on scientific and medical issues that concern society and human health.

Relevant laws, policies and links

• Act ensuring Protection of Embryos in connection with the importation and use of human embryonic stem cells, Gesetz zur Sicherstellung des Embryonenschutzes im Zusammenhang mit Einfuhr und Verwendung menschlicher embryonaler Stammzellen Stammzellgesetz (StZG- Stem Cell Act), 14 August 2008 at  http://bundesrecht.juris.de/stzg/index.html
• Act ensuring Protection of Embryos in connection with the importation and use of human embryonic stem cells,  Stammzellgesetz (StZG- Stem Cell Act), 28 June 2002 at  http://bundesrecht.juris.de/stzg/index.html
• Act for the Protection of Embryos, Gesetz zum Schutz von Embryonen Embryonenschutzgesetz (ESchG- The Embryo Protection Act), 13 December 1990, at  http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/eschg/BJNR027460990.html
• Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany  (Grundgesetz für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland), 1949, English translation, PDF.
• Opinion, " The Import of Human Embryonic Stem Cell ", English translation, German National Ethics Council (Geschäftsselle des Nationalen Ethikrat), December 2001.
• Opinion, " Should the Stem Cell Law be amended? " English translation, German National Ethics Council (Geschäftsselle des Nationalen Ethikrat), July 2007.
• Central Ethics Commission for Stem Cell Research  (Zentrale Ethik-Kommission für Stammzellenforschung - ZES).
• Gretchen Vogel, " Scientists lobby European Court to bring Stem Cell Patents ",  Science , 27 April 2011.
• Brüstle v Greenpeace,  Preliminary Opinion  of the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice.
• Brüstle v Greenpeace,  Final Judgement of the European Court of Justice  (listed as "Brüstle"). 

Researched by

Stem cell research in Germany: ethics of healing vs. human dignity

Affiliation.

• 1 Klinikum der Universität München, Medizinische Klinik-Innenstadt, Ziemssenstrasse 1, D-80336 Munich. Germany. [email protected]
• PMID: 12710559
• DOI: 10.1023/a:1022585217710

On 25 April 2002, the German Parliament has passed a strict new law referring to stem cell research. This law took effect on July 1, 2002. The so-called embryonic Stem Cell Act ("Stammzellgesetz-StZG") permits the import of embryonic stem (ES) cells isolated from surplus lvF-embryos for research reasons. The production itself of ES cells from human blastocysts has been prohibited by the German Embryo Protection Act of 1990, with the exception of the use of ES cells which exist already. The debate on the legitimate use of ES cells escalated, after the main German research funding agency, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), unexpectedly published new guidelines recommending a restricted use of human ES cells for research. Meanwhile, the debate has ethically divided society, political parties, government and church members into a group supporting and a group rejecting ES cell research. The arguments in favour of such a research can be summarized as arguments derived from a new "ethics of healing" calling for a therapeutic imperative, whereas the arguments against can be summarized as arguments violating the fundamental principle of human dignity as they imply the destruction of human embryos. This article will try to present and evaluate various ethical arguments founded on the latest biological and medical data on the potential use of stem cell technologies. It will finally come to the conclusion that ES cell research is opposed to human dignity, since the procedures of isolating ES cells require the destruction and instrumentalization of human embryos. Human embryos are human beings at a very early stage of their development, fully possessing the ability of completing their development. At this very early stage, human embryos are extremely dependent and fragile, and thus vulnerable corporealities. Vulnerability and human dignity demand the protection of the embryo's corporeal integrity. Hence, this essay will try to propagate research with adult stem (AS) cells, a procedure which does not require the destruction of human embryos; with regard to the necessary plasticity, it should be emphasized that AS cells very much resemble ES cells.

• Cloning, Organism / ethics
• Embryo Research / ethics
• Embryo Research / legislation & jurisprudence*
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International Programmes 2023/2024

Master of Science in Stem Cell Medicine Master of Science in Stem Cell Medicine

Ruhr-universität bochum • bochum.

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All of the courses will be held in English.

Non-EU applicants: 15 May for the following winter semester

EU applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester

A combined amount for the entire programme is 12,700 EUR.

The Stem Cell Medicine Master's programme offered by the Ruhr-Universität Bochum is a highly interdisciplinary Master’s programme that is oriented towards cutting-edge biomedical research and current markets (e.g. biotechnology, biomedicine). Our programme combines classical disciplines from the fields of medicine, cell biology, histology, biochemistry and pathology with current topics in molecular biology and developmental biology to offer students the broadest possible understanding of the innovative approaches of translational medicine.

As a graduate, you will posses the following general academic and subject-specific key competencies:

• the understanding of scientific theories and their limitations
• the ability to plan experiments, to apply appropriate experimental techniques and to assess the validity of different approaches
• the ability to obtain information on a subject quickly, reliably and completely with the help of suitable sources and procedures and, above all, to be able to critically evaluate their respective informative value (information competence)
• the competence to give presentations in English on complex subjects and to be able to defend them in discussions
• the competence to write independent factual texts in scientific terminology and to cite sources correctly
• the ability to work and deal with a team and groups
• the ability to understand ethical, social, economic and legal aspects of our society

The programme consists of a total of ten modules spread over three semesters and a total number of 90 credit points will be awarded. The modules are designed consecutively with no elective modules. However, individual arrangements allow you a high degree of flexibility and mobility. At the end of your studies, you will receive the final degree of Master of Science in Stem Cell Medicine.

• Language training provided
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

Semester tickets are included in the tuition fees.

Minimum of 950 EUR per month to cover personal and living expenses

Academic admission requirements:

• Applicants must provide evidence of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in one of the following subjects:  molecular medicine, human medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or comparable specialised courses. The examination board decides on related subjects.
• Applicants must have a completed Bachelor’s degree with a scope of 210 ECTS. In the case of admission with a Bachelor’s degree of 180 to 209 ECTS, admission is subject to conditions. Applicants who have completed a Bachelor’s degree with less than 180 ECTS cannot be admitted.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate good knowledge of cell biology as well as knowledge of molecular biology in theory and practice.
• Applicants must have sufficient knowledge of the English language (details below).
• Applicants must have first professional work experience of at least one year.

A sufficient knowledge of the English language is required for the application. This must be proven by TOEFL 95 (Internet-based) or IELTS 6.5. The examination board decides on equivalent performance.

https://international-academy.rub.de/program/stem-cell-medicine/

In the city of Bochum, you can find a variety of affordable and pleasant accommodations. On average, students in Bochum pay approximately 350 to 400 EUR per month for a single apartment, which is below the average rent in Germany. A room in a shared apartment is available from around 270 EUR. 

About 5,000 students in Bochum live in 18 student halls close to the campus, which are run by the Akademisches Förderungswerk (AKAFÖ). In the halls, each student has his or her own single room and shares a kitchen and bathroom with other students. Alternatively, they can rent an apartment with a private bathroom and kitchen, or they can share an apartment with one or several flatmates. 

More information on the student halls can be found at https://www.akafoe.de  and  https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/wohnen .

In addition, eight private and church-affiliated student halls accommodate up to 1,000 students:  http://www.stuwo.de/wohnheim-region/bochum/ .

We also have a small allotment of reserved placements in the Seven Stones complex: https://www.seven-stones.de/student-apartments-in-bochum .

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Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Situated in the centre of the dynamic, hospitable Ruhr metropolis in the heart of Europe, Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany's largest universities with a student population of over 43,000. Twenty departments offer around 190 study courses covering a broad spectrum of natural and social sciences, economics, medicine, engineering, and humanities on a single campus. With excellence in both research and teaching, Ruhr-Universität Bochum has truly earned its reputation as an innovator. In the 1960s, the university was one of the driving forces behind the Ruhr region's successful industrial transformation from mining and manufacturing to high-tech and services. International research, an interdisciplinary academic approach, and favourable study conditions attract around 4,000 foreign students and some 350-400 visiting scholars annually from all around the globe to the university. 

Four reasons to study in Bochum: - international and multidisciplinary research - more than 190 innovative degree programmes and a unique range of subject combinations - excellent services for international students and researchers - located in the heart of the metropolitan region Ruhr in the middle of Europe, with a wealth of cultural and leisure activities available nearby

University location

Bochum, a very lively modern city with around 370,000 inhabitants, is situated in the heart of the Ruhr area, a metropolitan region with a population of around five million, close to the Dutch and Belgian borders. The region has one of the highest concentrations of institutions of higher education and research in Europe as well as a very rich cultural life with many theatres, concert halls, cinemas, and museums. There are also many opportunities to discover the living history of industrial culture in and around Bochum, and there are many places to unwind and relax in the green belts and forests south of the city.

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• Published: 21 September 2021

Spotlight on gene therapy in Germany

• Claudio Mussolino   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2073-1110 1 , 2 &
• Patrick Harrison 3  

Gene Therapy volume  28 ,  pages 471–472 ( 2021 ) Cite this article

3909 Accesses

Metrics details

• Gene therapy
• Genetic engineering

Gene therapy has witnessed an explosive growth over the last three decades. Since the first trial in 1990, to treat a rare immunodeficiency due to the lack of adenosine deaminase (ADA), clinical exploitation of diverse gene therapeutics all around the globe has clearly shown the immense potential of curing human diseases with genes. However, the path has not always been plain sailing, and tragic events during this 30- year-long journey, even though limited in number, have led to the development of more cautious approaches and thorough regulatory processes prior to clinical approval. With the inception of precision gene-editing technologies and their first clinical application in 2010, to render T cells resistant to HIV infection, an exciting new era had begun in the field of gene therapy. This culminated in 2020 with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry award going to the two researchers that developed a breakthrough method for precise genome editing, the CRISPR-Cas9. However, 2020 also revealed the potential danger behind the misuse of genome editing technologies with the birth of the first gene-edited humans and subsequently, the prison sentence for the scientist that drove such unlawful application.

Europe is at the forefront of the gene therapy field and major investments in the public and private sectors have propelled the development of novel and more effective therapies to tackle rare diseases and cancer. Efficient modification of patient-derived cells ex vivo either to correct a genetic defect, to replace a missing gene function or to modulate the expression of a protective gene have been attempted with variable success to establish innovative therapeutics for multiple disorders. Cell therapies as potent anti-tumor agents capable of eradicating hematopoietic malignancies have been approved for commercialization. Direct in vivo gene therapy has also recently been authorized to treat certain types of retinal blindness and spinal muscular atrophy. With over 50 clinical studies explored thus far ( source: ClinicalTrials.gov ), Germany is actively involved in developing and testing innovative medicines for the benefit of patients and for the advancement of the gene therapy field. To document this tremendous effort, Gene Therapy has commissioned a special issue with submissions from scientists working at German institutions, placing a spotlight on their research efforts which continue to advance this fascinating field from bench to bedside. In this issue, we have reviewed the excellent contribution of research groups located across Germany on a range of topics. These include vector development and clinical exploitation of retroviral gene therapy [ 1 ], which continues to be an essential step towards the generation of more effective cell therapeutics. In particular, efficient viral vectors have been a key player in the generation of potent cancer immunotherapeutics based either on T or NK cells [ 2 ]. When combined with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology or hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), viral vectors can be employed to generate in vitro factories for large-scale production of effector cells amenable to transplantation [ 3 , 4 ]. This has major implications for the future establishment of novel off-the-shelf cell therapeutics. Despite the unquestioned success achieved in the clinics, a non-trivial genotoxic risk associated with the use of integrating vectors has encouraged the exploration of alternative engineering strategies. This has presented an opportunity for precision genome editing technologies which have expanded dramatically in the last decade in an attempt to develop novel procedures that reduce these risks. On the one hand, transposon-based systems characterized by a semi-random integration profile is approaching the clinic, providing the first evidence that the genome of T cells can be modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) using viral-free systems [ 5 ]. This could potentially simplify manufacturing and reduce toxicity. On the other hand, precise gene inactivation using designer nucleases based on transcription activator-like effectors or CRISPR-Cas have been used to modify T cells for clinical purposes. In this context, the large-scale production of edited T cells has enabled the clinical exploitation of these modified cells to combat HIV infection [ 6 , 7 ] or other T cell-related disorders. Similarly, precise genome editing has been applied to provide additional features to CAR T cells with the goal of improving their safety and manufacturing procedures [ 8 ]. Since the inception of gene therapy with integrating viral vectors in 1990, we have witnessed an expanding effort to apply these strategies in HSCs to provide a lifelong solution to diseases of the hematopoietic system. To establish innovative therapeutics for a plethora of human genetic defects, HSC modifications using either integrating vectors or precision genome editing technologies have been pursued with variable success. Such procedures are highly challenging because of the heterogeneity that characterizes the target cell population [ 9 ]. This certainly highlights that increasing our knowledge of the target cell population is crucial to improve the generation of more effective cell therapeutics in the future. Importantly, gene therapy is not limited to the hematopoietic system. Similar strategies have been devised to tackle devastating human disorders such as muscular dystrophy. In this case, gene replacement and gene-editing strategies are currently being explored in large animal models to provide sufficient evidence that gene therapy may offer new treatment opportunities for these patients [ 10 ]. However, the tremendous steps forward also highlight concerns due to the potential immunogenicity of the genome editing components [ 11 ] and their potential unwanted activity at off-target sites. This opens new opportunities for the development of strategies to induce immune tolerance towards these editing tools and to develop more precise technologies or novel strategies that avoid DNA cleavage such as base editing, prime editing or ultimately epigenome editing. We believe this spotlight provides a glimpse towards the milestones that have shaped the gene therapy field in the last 30 years and we are grateful to Gene Therapy for propelling this initiative and to all the contributing authors for their passion to drive this exciting field.

Morgan MA, Galla M, Grez M, Fehse B, Schambach A. Retroviral gene therapy in Germany with a view on previous experience and future perspectives. Gene Ther. 2021.

Albinger N, Hartmann J, Ullrich E. Current status and perspective of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapy trials in Germany. Gene Ther. 2021.

Mass E, Lachmann N. From macrophage biology to macrophage-based cellular immunotherapies. Gene Ther. 2021.

Janosz E, Hetzel M, Spielmann H, Tumpara S, Rossdam C, Schwabbauer M, et al. Pulmonary transplantation of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT)-transgenic macrophages provides a source of functional human AAT in vivo. Gene Ther. 2021; in Press.

Prommersberger S, Reiser M, Beckmann J, Danhof S, Amberger M, Quade-Lyssy P. et al. CARAMBA: a first-in-human clinical trial with SLAMF7 CAR-T cells prepared by virus-free Sleeping Beauty gene transfer to treat multiple myeloma. Gene Ther. 2021.

Schwarze LI, Sonntag T, Wild S, Schmitz S, Uhde A, Fehse B. Automated production of CCR5-negative CD4(+)-T cells in a GMP-compatible, clinical scale for treatment of HIV-positive patients. Gene Ther. 2021.

Schwarze LI, Glow D, Sonntag T, Uhde A, Fehse B. Optimisation of a TALE nuclease targeting the HIV co-receptor CCR5 for clinical application. Gene Ther. 2021.

Mosti L, Langner LM, Chmielewski KO, Arbuthnot P, Alzubi J, Cathomen T. Targeted multi-epitope switching enables straightforward positive/negative selection of CAR T cells. Gene Ther. 2021.

Epah J, Schafer R. Implications of hematopoietic stem cells heterogeneity for gene therapies. Gene Ther. 2021.

Kupatt C, Windisch A, Moretti A, Wolf E, Wurst W, Walter MC. Genome editing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a glimpse of the future? Gene Ther. 2021.

Wagner DL, Peter L, Schmueck-Henneresse M. Cas9-directed immune tolerance in humans-a model to evaluate regulatory T cells in gene therapy? Gene Ther. 2021.

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Mussolino, C., Harrison, P. Spotlight on gene therapy in Germany. Gene Ther 28 , 471–472 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41434-021-00277-3

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• v.5(10); 2004 Oct

The future of stem-cell research in Germany

Peter m. wiedemann.

1 Peter M. Wiedemann and Judith Simon are at the Research Centre in Juelich, Germany.

Judith Simon

Silke schicktanz.

2 Silke Schicktanz is at the University Hospital Münster, Germany.

Christof Tannert

3 Christof Tannert is at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany.

A Delphi study

The controversial issue of stem-cell research encompasses a truly interdisciplinary field that involves not only various scientific disciplines, but also medical, ethical, political, legal, societal and economic aspects. It is no surprise then that this research—in particular when using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)—has led to an intense debate about the possible medical and economic benefits as well as the ethical and societal problems of using human embryos in biomedical research. These debates have affected various countries, most notably the USA and Germany, and have led to different legal regulations and limitations of stem-cell research.

Although the current discussions mainly revolve around therapeutic applications, it is important to note that stem-cell research is, for the most part, still at the stage of basic research

We have conducted a study among leading German stem-cell experts on the future of embryonic and adult stem-cell research in this country to assess its scientific, therapeutic and social prospects. It revealed that, in addition to ethical problems, different expectations about the scientific and therapeutic prospects of embryonic and adult stem-cell research account for the current German preference for adult stem cells. Nevertheless, the majority of German experts expect an increasing open-mindedness towards embryonic stem-cell research in this country, as well as a relaxation of legal restrictions.

Based on their origin, stem cells are broadly categorized into either adult (syn. somatic), or embryonic stem cells. Both cell types can—to different degrees—differentiate into various specialized cells and tissues, which has created considerable scientific and medical interest. Biologists in basic research hope to gain insight into the fundamental processes of human cell development, whereas biomedical researchers want to use stem cells to replace failing cells, and eventually whole tissues, as a therapy for various—as yet incurable—diseases. Although the current discussions mainly revolve around therapeutic applications, it is important to note that stem-cell research is, for the most part, still at the stage of basic research. One exception is the transplantation of adult stem cells for the recovery of the blood-cell system in leukaemia therapy. In addition, recent findings seem to indicate that human adult stem cells (hASCs) taken from bone marrow can improve cardiac function in patients after acute myocardial infarction ( Wollert et al , 2004 ).

Whereas discussions about using hASCs are less controversial, research on hESCs has stirred German society and politics ( Colman, 2001 ; Matthiessen-Guyader, 2003 ; Mieth, 2000 ; Oduncu, 2003 ). This is, in fact, not limited to Germany; other countries—most notably the USA and the UK—are actively discussing various legal and ethical aspects. These controversies do not arise from the use of hESCs, but from their acquisition—they must be obtained from a 5- to 7-day old blastocyst, which inevitably leads to destruction of the embryo. The ethical debate involves several lines of argument; the central issue, however, is the moral status of the embryo. Two positions are predominant in Germany: one grants the embryo absolute protection from its inception, whereas proponents of a graduated protection of life take other, therapeutic, goals into account. Denying the embryo any moral protection is a position that is rarely found in Germany ( Nationaler Ethikrat, 2002 ; Enquete-Kommission Recht und Ethik in der modernen Medizin, 2002 ).

Denying the embryo any moral protection is a position that is rarely found in Germany

Among the proponents of a graduated protection of life, further debates focus on the balance between the freedom of research and the potential of future therapeutics, against the protection of the early embryo. In this context, two questions are of acute concern. How can the treatment of embryos in different contexts, such as stem-cell research versus induced abortion, be justified? The second question concerns the perceived moral double standard behind allowing the import of hESC lines while prohibiting their production in Germany. Naturally, the freedom of research has an important role in academic and scientific circles, whereas promises of potential treatments are of much higher relevance to the public debate. At the heart of the debate about hESC research in Germany is the difficulty in finding a proper and socially acceptable balance between protecting the embryo for moral reasons, enabling therapeutic prospects for patients suffering from incurable diseases, and protecting freedom of research.

Naturally, the freedom of research played a major role in academic and scientific circles, whereas promises of potential treatments were of much higher relevance to the public debate

As noted before, the production of hESC lines is currently illegal in Germany; the 1990 Embryo Protection Act prohibits any utilization of the embryo that does not serve its preservation. However, although the act makes the use of human embryos for research purposes a punishable offence, it does not explicitly prohibit the import of hESCs. The German Parliament made use of this loophole to establish the 2002 Stem Cell Act, which allows the import of hESCs for high-ranking research objectives. These must be evaluated by the Robert Koch Institute, a federal institute in Berlin, and its central ethics committee for stem-cell research ( http://www.rki.de ). Moreover, only hESC lines produced from surplus embryos from in vitro fertilization (IVF) before 1 January 2002 can be legally imported. This key date was chosen to ensure that no hESC lines are directly produced for German research; in other words, that no human embryos are destroyed 'on German order' ( Bundesärztekammer, 2002 ; Matthiessen-Guyader, 2003 ). By 31 December 2003 seven applications were under consideration from which five have already been accepted ( Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, 2004 ). These focus on the differentiation of hESCs into either neural (progenitor) cells or cardiomyocytes. In addition, procedures for harvesting and characterizing cells are of major interest.

German legislation of stem-cell research is more restrictive than that found in most other European countries and the USA ( Hüsing et al , 2003 ; Enquete-Kommission, 2002 ; Bundesärztekammer, 2002 ). Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK allow the production of hESC lines from surplus IVF embryos. Cloning of embryos to produce stem-cell lines for therapeutic purposes is legally permitted only in the UK, where, in accordance with the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, only embryos younger than 14 days can be used. Although research proposals in the UK must be accredited by the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority ( http://www.hfea.gov.uk ), the prerequisites for attaining a licence to conduct research with hESCs are less strict than in Germany. By contrast, Ireland, Austria, Denmark and France prohibit any production of hESC lines. In the USA, research with hESCs is not prohibited, but scientists can only use cell lines produced from surplus IVF embryos created before 9 August 2001 if their research is financed with federal funds. Privately funded research on hESCs or the production of hESC lines is not regulated by federal law.

...40% of the experts doubt that major risks with embryonic cells, such as tumour development and false differentiation of transplanted cells, could ever be ruled out

If a graduated protection of the embryo is the predominant position in most countries, lawmakers have to take into account different values. To enable a balanced consideration of freedom of research, therapeutic prospects and the moral status of the human embryo, it is therefore necessary to clarify the current status and the potential of stem-cell research. Thus, we conducted an in-depth expert Delphi study to explore the future of stem-cell research in Germany. The two-phase study began in June 2003 and was completed in May 2004. The study focused on developments in fundamental research and therapeutic applications as well as on societal, political and legal frameworks, but also took into account effects on related fields of research.

The Delphi method is a technique that supports and structures group communication processes on complex problems through a panel of geographically dispersed experts ( Linstone, 1975 ; Adler & Ziglio, 1996 ). It was developed in the early 1950s by Olaf Helmer and Norman Dalkey at the RAND Corporation—a non-profit research organization in Santa Monica, CA, USA—to help strategic military planning ( Gordon & Helmer, 1964 ), but was soon adopted for civilian purposes. It is now widely used in many countries to generate forecasts in research and technology.

In the beginning, a team must be assembled to conduct and monitor a Delphi study on a given subject. This team selects the experts to participate in the study and develops the questionnaire. After the experts have completed the questionnaires, the relative frequencies of the answers are then incorporated and questions may be refined or added. The revised questionnaire, with the opinions of all experts from round one, is then sent back to the participants to be filled out at least once more. The repeated application of the questionnaire is meant to enable the experts to refine their views when confronted with the results of the whole panel. This process can be reiterated to achieve stability in the results, but most Delphi studies consist of only two rounds of questioning. When the last round of the study is finished, the responses are analysed and the team prepares a report on the analysis and the conclusions of the exercise ( Linstone, 1978 ).

Our questionnaire consisted of 57 statements describing future developments for stem cells in fundamental research, therapeutic applications, societal, political and legal frameworks and related fields of research, such as cloning, IVF and toxicology. The statements were adopted from relevant publications ( National Institutes of Health, 2001 ; National Academy of Science, 2002 ; Hüsing et al , 2003 ; Commission of the European Communities, 2003 ) and were evaluated regarding the following criteria: timeframe of realization (in five-year steps until 2023); desirability; risks and opportunities for patients, research and industry; and the most important factors of influence. Desirability was chosen to assess whether the experts believe that certain developments are desirable or not. Factors of influence describe various aspects that could play a role in future directions of stem-cell research both scientifically and socially (see sidebar ).

Design of the Delphi study on stem-cell research in germany

The central element of the Delphi study that we conducted among German stem-cell experts consists of a number of statements. These statements were descriptions of possible future developments in stem-cell research that had to be judged by the experts. The following text is an excerpt from the questionnaire with statements from the four main fields of interest.

Basic research

• Efficient methods have been established to produce and enrich various tissue-specific human adult stem cells.
• The processes that allow the re-differentiation of tissue-specific stem cells into pluripotent stem cells are known.
• Human embryonic stem cells can be cultivated for a period of at least 15 years and have been successfully differentiated.
• Human embryonic stem cells can be differentiated and enriched so as to produce the desired cell type in large quantities.

Therapeutic applications

• Parkinson's disease can be cured by implanting human embryonic stem cells into the patient's brain.
• Alzheimer's disease can be cured or halted by using human stem cells in various areas of the brain.
• Insulin-producing human adult stem cells are successfully used to treat diabetes.

Social framework

• The public debate about the ethical aspects of embryonic stem cell research has led to amplified funding of adult stem cell research.
• Due to medical successes, the use of human embryonic stem cells is accepted by the majority of the population.
• Due to the public debate about the risks and ethical problems of embryonic stem-cell research, more than 50% of the German stem-cell researchers have left Germany.
• International guidelines for biomedical research de facto prohibit research on and the use of human embryonic stem cells.

Consequences for other fields

• The broad application of stem-cell therapies leads to a reduction of the most prevalent diseases, such as coronary heart disease and infectious diseases in Germany.
• The number of kidney transplants decreases continually because early use of cell therapies in metabolic and organ diseases can prevent kidney failure.
• Therapeutic cloning is increasingly used in medical practice to produce human embryonic stem cells specific for the patient for cell therapies.
• The number of experiments using animals in toxicological and pharmaceutical research has been reduced by 30% through the use of human stem-cell lines.

By checking boxes, the participants had to comment on how good their specific knowledge about the relevant statement was. A second column asked them if and when they believe the development described in the statement will be realized and a third whether they think that this is a desirable development. Another column asked them what risks and/or opportunities they anticipate for patients, publicly-funded research and private research.

A final column asked for social, economic, political and scientific factors that could have an influence on the realization of these developments. These factors are: public funding, private funding, scientific personnel and education, efficient technology transfer between universities and industry, national (German) and international markets, social acceptance, publicly-available information, international cooperation, political and legal frameworks as well as private and public health insurance. The participants could select three factors that they thought to be most important for realization.

Using literature research and consultations, we identified 110 leading German scientists who work in basic or applied stem-cell research, or in research on the ethical, societal and legal aspects of stem-cell research. Of those, 49 took part in the first round of our Delphi study and 36 in the second round. The majority of the participants (63.7%) work at universities, 27.6% at research institutes and the remaining 8.7% in industry. More than 60% work in basic research, almost 40% in applied research, about one-fifth in clinical practice and about one-sixth focused on the ethical, societal or legal aspects of stem-cell research. To avoid any bias, the number of scientists was balanced in regard to their focus on adult or embryonic stem cells as well as on human versus animal stem cells. After an analysis of the answers, the same questionnaire—this time including the relative frequencies of responses in round one—was sent back to the experts to be assessed once more.

The results of the second round revealed large differences between adult and embryonic stem-cell research in regard to the desirability of certain developments, as well as their predicted timeframes of realization. In general, the desirability of all developments in ASC research was on average about 25% higher than the comparable values for ESC research. Moreover, 40% of the experts doubt that major risks with embryonic cells, such as tumour development and false differentiation of transplanted cells, could ever be ruled out. It seems that these major therapeutic problems, in addition to ethical concerns, are mainly responsible for the current German focus on ASCs and scepticism concerning the use of ESCs.

The experts are quite optimistic regarding developments in ASC research. Almost 90% expect the establishment of efficient methods for the extraction and accumulation of various kinds of ASCs within the next ten years and the possibility of reprogramming ASCs into a pluripotent state within the next 15 years. By contrast, advances in ESC research are assessed more cautiously and have a higher risk of failure. For instance, although the precise differentiation and purification of hESCs is anticipated within the next ten years, 25% of the experts consider the continuing cultivation and successful differentiation of this cell type generally to be impossible. The assessments of embryonic and adult stem-cell therapies also differ substantially. Overall, the therapeutic application of ESC research bears higher risks, especially for the patients. Table 1 shows the prospects of stem-cell therapies for various diseases, according to the experts we questioned.

Developments in therapy and application

The chances of stem-cell therapy being used to reduce tissue impairments caused by cardiovascular, infectious, organic or metabolic diseases, or to reduce the need for organ transplantations, are assessed cautiously. Although these possibilities would be highly welcomed by the experts—their desirability ratings were significantly high—the majority does not expect their widespread application within the next 20 years. On the other hand, the use of stem cells in toxicology and pharmacology is viewed very optimistically. All the experts anticipate that stem cells will be routinely used in these areas within the next 15 years—almost half of them expect this even within the next five years.

...there are concrete scientific and medical concerns about the safety of hESCs in therapeutic applications, which further explain the current preference for hASC research in Germany and among German scientists

Other advances based on hESCs, mainly in IVF, germline therapy and cloning, are assessed very sceptically in regard to both their realization and desirability. For instance, only 8.3% of the experts would consider human germline therapy as desirable and more than 80% cannot imagine that it will happen in Germany within the next 20 years. Regarding therapeutic cloning for the production of hESC lines, more than half of the experts also do not expect this within the next 20 years, while one-fifth expects this to never happen in Germany. However, about 60% of the experts expect surplus embryos from IVF to be used as a source of stem cells within the next 10 years, despite the current controversy around this issue.

The possibility that advances in stem-cell therapy will improve the techniques of human reproductive cloning divided the experts: 44% never expect this to happen and another 17% at least not within the next 20 years. However, one-third already anticipates these improvements within the next ten years. In contrast, improvements in animal reproductive cloning are viewed very optimistically. More than 80% expect such advances within the next ten years and 50% within the next five years. But these latter developments would be welcomed by far fewer than half of the experts (14–39%) and they are clearly regarded as risks, especially for patients, but also to a lesser extent for research and industry. Furthermore, societal acceptance and the political and legal framework have a major role in these research areas.

When it came to the question of whether hASCs or hESCs are favourable, the experts are very clear. Within the next ten years, hASC cells will be the most important cell types for research in Germany, according to the study. However, the participants also considered hESCs from the blastocyst, genetically modified hASCs and hESCs, and cells from the umbilical cord, as important. With regards to their potential to differentiate, pluripotent cells will be the most important. When it comes to therapeutic applications, unlimited access is expected for pluripotent bone marrow stem cells, cells from the umbilical cord and tissue-specific hASCs within the next ten years. Moreover, experts are optimistic about the prospects of the standardized use of different hASCs in cell transplantation, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In particular, haematopoietic, mesenchymal and epidermal stem cells are expected to be in widespread use by the year 2013.

Our Delphi study also polled experts about the future of the societal, political and legal situation and its influence on stem-cell research in Germany. Here, more than 90% of the experts anticipate that the public debate on the ethical aspects of hESC research will lead to amplified funding of hASC research in Germany. But they do not expect that this will eventually enable Germany to assume a leading position in hASC research and patent applications. Nevertheless, almost two-thirds of the participants expect that, in the next 6–15 years, the majority of the German population will approve of hESC research as a consequence of its medical successes either in other countries or from ASC research. But only one-third of the experts think that this would be a desirable development and one-fifth thinks that a majority acceptance of hESC research will never be attainable in Germany.

Almost 90% of the participants do not believe that an international de facto ban on the research and use of hESCs will ever be possible. They also regard such a ban as detrimental to research, industry and patients. In fact, the majority of experts expect the unlimited worldwide import of hESCs within the next 6–15 years. One-third, however, cannot imagine unrestricted import within the next 20 years, or ever. We obtained similar results when asking respondents whether they expect a relaxation of the German Embryo Protection Act, which would allow research on embryos younger than 14 days. In general, this is regarded as an opportunity for research, industry and patients. In contrast, a complete suspension of the Act, which would allow research on embryos even after day 14, is not expected in Germany within the next 20 years (22%), or ever (64%).

The current legal and political situation also bears the risk of a 'brain-drain' of German scientists due to the restrictions imposed on ESC research. Nevertheless, the probability of this is assessed ambivalently: it is either expected within the next five years (47%), or not at all (50%). Another hazardous development might be the increasing commercialization of stem-cell research and therapy. If stem-cell research is predominantly pursued by industry or only aimed at the commercial utilization of therapeutic applications, this is clearly seen as a risk for patients as well as for research itself.

In contrast, the establishment of national or international biobanks to provide researchers with stem-cell lines would be highly welcomed by almost all experts: 59% believe that a German biobank—in cooperation with research institutes and patients—could be established within the next 6–10 years. Within the next ten years, 80% even anticipate an international non-profit stem-cell project to characterize and archive all kinds of embryonic and adult stem cells and serve as a cell-line supply for stem-cell researchers.

There are still various important reasons for the current resistance in Germany to hESC production and research. Ethical concerns, the influence of religious beliefs and the church, and even recollections of the role of medicine in the Third Reich have surely influenced the debate ( Knowles, 2004 ). But the Delphi study conducted with German stem-cell experts reveals that, in addition to these ethical and societal arguments, there are concrete scientific and medical concerns about the safety of hESCs in therapeutic applications, which further explain the current preference for hASC research in Germany and among German scientists.

Acknowledgments

For their active support of this study we would like to thank Gisela Degen (Research Centre Juelich; FZJ), Dr Gerd Kempermann (Max Delbrück Center; MDC), Dr Jörg Niewöhner (MDC), Sven Pompe (FZJ), Dr Susanne Reif (MDC) and Holger Schuetz (FZJ).

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Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. In recent years, Germany has emerged as a global leader in transforming the treatment landscape for Alzheimer's through the utilization of stem cell therapy . With cutting-edge research, clinical innovations, leading clinics, and a robust regulatory framework, Germany offers new hope and possibilities for individuals living with Alzheimer's.

Regulatory Framework: Ensuring Safety and Ethical Guidelines

Germany upholds stringent regulations to ensure the safety and ethical implementation of stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's treatment. Regulatory bodies such as the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut oversee the authorization and monitoring of stem cell therapies, ensuring patient safety and adherence to rigorous scientific and ethical standards. These regulations provide a solid foundation for the development and application of stem cell therapies for Alzheimer's in Germany.

Leading Clinics and Medical Institutions

Germany is home to renowned clinics and medical institutions at the forefront of Alzheimer's treatment through stem cell therapy. Institutions such as the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine are internationally recognized for their expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and multidisciplinary teams of specialists. These clinics combine clinical excellence with cutting-edge research to offer personalized treatment approaches tailored to the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients.

Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer's: Mechanisms and Potential

Stem cell therapy holds great promise for Alzheimer's treatment by harnessing the regenerative capabilities of stem cells. The therapy aims to address the underlying causes of Alzheimer's, promote neuronal regeneration, reduce inflammation, and enhance cognitive function.

Different types of stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs) , have shown potential in Alzheimer's treatment. MSCs possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, while NSCs have the ability to differentiate into various neural cell types and support neural network reconstruction. These mechanisms hold the potential to slow down disease progression, improve cognitive function, and enhance the overall quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.

Cutting-Edge Research and Clinical Trials

Germany is actively involved in groundbreaking research and clinical trials focused on advancing stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's. Ongoing studies aim to optimize treatment protocols, refine transplantation techniques, identify the most suitable patient populations, and evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of stem cell-based approaches. These trials contribute valuable data and insights to enhance treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Alzheimer's Management and Supportive Therapies

Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's in Germany is integrated into comprehensive management programs that prioritize holistic care and supportive therapies. These programs encompass a multidisciplinary approach, including cognitive rehabilitation, pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, and psychological support. By combining stem cell therapy with supportive therapies, patients can optimize their cognitive function, manage symptoms, and improve their overall well-being.

Understanding the Pathology of Alzheimer's Disease

To comprehend the potential of stem cell therapy in Alzheimer's disease, it is crucial to understand the underlying pathology of the condition. Alzheimer's is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in the brain. These deposits lead to the progressive loss of neurons, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive decline.

The Promise of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy offers a promising avenue for addressing the complex mechanisms involved in Alzheimer's disease. The regenerative properties of stem cells provide the potential to replace damaged or lost neurons, modulate inflammation, and promote neural regeneration. Stem cells can also secrete neurotrophic factors and other signaling molecules that support the survival and function of existing neurons.

Different Types of Stem Cells for Alzheimer's Treatment

Researchers and clinicians in Germany are exploring various types of stem cells for Alzheimer's treatment. One approach involves the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) , which can be obtained from sources such as bone marrow or adipose tissue. MSCs have shown immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing neuroinflammation and preserving neuronal function.

Another avenue of investigation involves induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) , which are derived from adult cells, such as skin cells, and reprogrammed to a pluripotent state. These iPSCs can then be differentiated into specific neuronal cell types for transplantation, providing a personalized and potentially limitless source of cells for regenerative therapies.

Advancements in Transplantation Techniques

Transplanting stem cells into the brain requires precise techniques to ensure optimal cell survival and integration. Researchers in Germany are exploring various approaches, including direct injection into the affected brain regions or utilizing scaffolds and biomaterials to provide structural support and guidance for cell migration and integration.

Comprehensive Approach to Alzheimer's Treatment

Stem cell therapy is not a standalone treatment for Alzheimer's disease but is integrated into a comprehensive approach to patient care. Clinics in Germany combine stem cell transplantation with supportive therapies, such as cognitive rehabilitation, physical exercise, and dietary interventions, to enhance the overall treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients.

Regulatory Considerations and Ethical Guidelines

Germany has a robust regulatory framework and ethical guidelines in place to ensure the safe and ethical implementation of stem cell therapy. Regulatory bodies closely monitor clinical trials, treatment protocols, and patient safety to uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity and patient care.

Ongoing Research and Clinical Trials

Germany remains at the forefront of stem cell research for Alzheimer's disease. Ongoing studies focus on optimizing transplantation techniques, refining treatment protocols, investigating the long-term effects of stem cell therapy, and exploring combination therapies that may enhance the therapeutic outcomes. These research efforts contribute to advancing the field and expanding treatment options for Alzheimer's patients.

While significant progress has been made, there is still much to discover and refine in the field of stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Continued research, collaboration, and clinical trials are crucial for unlocking the full potential of stem cells and bringing innovative treatments closer to clinical practice.

Germany's remarkable advancements in stem cell therapy for Alzheimer's disease offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against this devastating condition. With its leading clinics, pioneering research, robust regulatory framework, and patient-centric approach, Germany is at the forefront of harnessing the potential of stem cells to transform the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment.

To learn more about stem cell therapy and its potential benefits, please visit www.stemcellcouncil.com . Stay informed with up-to-date information on treatment options, research developments, and expert insights.

For those considering stem cell therapy, you can get a free quote via this link: www.stemcellcouncil.com/free-quote .

Always consult with healthcare professionals and review the latest research before making any medical decisions. Germany's advancements in stem cell therapy offer renewed hope and improved prospects for individuals living with Alzheimer's, fostering a future where effective management and an enhanced quality of life are within reach.

Informed Decision-Making in Medical Tourism: The Significance of Clinical Outcome Reports

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The Medical Tourism Magazine (MTM), known as the “voice” of the medical tourism industry, provides members and key industry experts with the opportunity to share important developments, initiatives, themes, topics and trends that make the medical tourism industry the booming market it is today.

Epigenetics@HelmholtzMunich

The researchers of Epigenetics@HelmholtzMunich join forces to reveal the myriad secrets of Epigenetics.

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Our key activities, news & highlights, upcoming events, epicrossborders, summer internship in epigenetics, stem cells, and artificial intelligence.

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Munich Epigenetics Spotlight Meeting

Epigenetics for All

Battich Lab

Beckers Lab

Cabianca Lab

Colomé-Tatché Lab

Hamperl Lab

Hörmanseder Lab

Hrabě de Angelis Lab

Jeremias Lab

Lindermayr Lab

Martinez-Jiminez Lab

Schmoller Lab

Schneider Lab

Scialdone Lab

Stricker Lab

Teperino Lab

Torres-Padilla Lab

Uhlenhaut Lab

Winkelmann Lab

Yildrim Lab

Zeggini Lab

Schneider lab is looking for a postdoc!

The Schneider group is recruiting a PostDoc to work on the interphase between chromatin biochemistry, epigenetics, RNA biology and epitranscriptomics.

Decoding the Language of Epigenetic Modifications

Epigenetic changes play important roles in cancer, metabolic and aging-related diseases, but also during loss of resilience as they cause the genetic material to be incorrectly interpreted in affected cells. A major study by scientists at Helmholtz…

Cells of the Future: A Key To Reprogramming Cell Identities

The Dynamic Journey of DNA Replication Timing and Its Impact on Cellular Plasticity 

The intricate process of duplicating genetic information, referred to as DNA replication, lies at the heart of the transmission of life from one cell to another…

MATAC-Seq: lifting the fog around cell to cell variability

Researchers at the Hamperl lab from the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), working alongside the Scialdone lab at the institute and Lopes lab in University of Zurich, introduce the innovative approach for accurately mapping the dynamics…

Unveiling the Dynamics of LAD Reorganization and Transcription in Early Embryonic Development

In a recent publication in Genes and Development, the researchers from Torres-Padilla lab (Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, IES) have shed light on the intricate interplay between nuclear organization and transcriptional activity during early…

Mitochondrial DNA Regulation: The Connection between Cell Size and the Amount of Genetic Material

A recent discovery led by Dr. Anika Seel and Dr. Kurt Schmoller at the Institute for Functional Epigenetics (IFE) at Helmholtz Munich has uncovered a fascinating link between cell size and mitochondrial DNA regulation, shedding light on a previously…

In memory of Colyn Crane-Robinson (1935–2023)

We pay tribute to the loss of a remarkable scientist, Colyn Crane-Robinson, who passed away on 5th March 2023. Throughout his lifetime, Colyn's unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm enriched our understanding of nucleic acid structures and…

July recap: two new manuscripts from Torres-Padilla lab

In July, the Torres-Padilla lab published two new manuscripts showcasing their latest research contributions.

Registration is open for Munich Epigenetics Spotlight Meeting 2023!

Join us at the Munich Epigenetics Spotlight Meeting 16.10.23!

We will have talks selected from the abstracts, flash talks and 2 invited speakers - secure you spot now!

IUBMB Focused Meeting on Integrative Omics of Nuclear Functions 2023

The IUBMB Focused Meeting on Integrative Omics of Nuclear Functions co-organized by Dr. Till Bartke from the Institute of Functional Epigenetics will take place in Crete (Greece) on October 15-20, 2023.

Deciphering connections between cancer metabolism, the epigenome and cellular stress

In a cross-departmental collaboration with the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC) and the Institute of Virology (Viro), researchers from the Schneider lab (Institute of Functional Epigenetics, IFE) have discovered a novel axis connecting…

Finding needles in a haystack of single-cell data: algorithm developed by Scialdone lab helps identify rare cells in single-cell sequencing datasets.

The analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data is a powerful tool for identifying new types of cells. However, the rarer the cells are, the more challenging it becomes to find and characterize them. This means that rare cells can often go unnoticed,…

Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla is elected new member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

The Leopoldina as German National Academy of Sciences provides science-based advice to policymakers and the public, promoting a scientifically enlightened society and responsible application of scientific insights. Prof Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla…

Developmental Heterochromatin Formation Is Accompanied by Changes in Biophysical Properties

It is commonly known that DNA assembles into heterochromatin, a densely composed structure, thereby preventing access to the information encoded by the DNA and gene expression. Until now it is not completely understood how this structure forms during…

Paris-Munich Epigenetics Workshop & Symposium 2023

The Paris-Munich Epigenetics Workshop & Symposium organized by Dr. Till Bartke from the Institute of Functional Epigenetics will take place at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Munich on June 14-16, 2023.

How origins of replication are organized by the cytoskeleton

Before a cell divides, the genomic content of a cell is duplicated during DNA replication. Each cell has many origins of replication (ORIs), but not all are active at the same time, and some fire earlier and some later. Combining their approach to…

Gordon Research Conference: Chromatin Modifications in Health and Disease

The Gordon Research Conference "Chromatin Modifications in Health and Disease", co-organised by Robert Schneider, will take place from June 11-16,2023, at Bryant University in Rhode Island. The deadline for abstract submission is on May 14, 2023.

The use of embryo models to study development - a perspective

In the perspective article "In preprints: improving and interrogating embryo models", Antonio Scialdone from the Institute for Epigenetics and Stem Cells, the Institute of Functional Epigenetics, and the Institute of Computational Biology at…

Sharing = Caring? – Asymmetric RNA Segregation depends on the replicative age of cells

When a cell divides, the correct distribution of cellular content, such as RNAs, to daughter cells is essential. By tagging RNAs with the new diSpinach aptamer in combination with a self-made microfluidics device, researchers at the Institute of…

Young Epigenetic Scientists at the new Science Communication lab of the Deutsches Museum

Inspired by recent work from Antonio Scialdone’s group on the spatial expression of olfactory neurons, Maria Elena Torres Padilla and Robert Schneider, directors of IES and IFE respectively, teamed up with the Deutsches Museum to share our research…

1st Helmholtz Summer School on Chromatin Biology was a great success.

The first 'Helmholtz Summer School on Chromatin Biology: A hands-on-expedition', organized by the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES) and the Institute of Functional Epigenetics (IFE) in collaboration with Abcam, took place on Campus from…

Summer Intern Ecaterina Radzichevici contributes to publication about the structural maintenance of chromosome

Since 2016, the annual Summer Internship Program in Epigenetics, Stem Cells, and Artificial Intelligence gives international students the opportunity to work alongside world-leading scientists on original research. Under the supervision of Kurt…

Understanding Embryonic Development

The ability to reprogram cells holds great promises for regenerative medicine. Cells from the embryo at the beginning of life divide and produce all cell types in the body. What can embryos teach us so that we can generate cells ‘à la carte’ to cure…

From idea to implementation – Anna Dumitriu ran a workshop about her artwork “The Cellular Reprogramming Necklace”

During her stay in August 2022, Anna Dumitriu ran a workshop with researchers at the Institute for Epigenetics and Stem Cells to share her thoughts and experiences of the creative process underlying her artwork “The Cellular Reprogramming Necklace”.

What stands behind the message sent by histone PTMs?

Over the last 60 years, research has shed light on histone PTMs and their role in all DNA-templated processes. In the last decade, novel methodologies, such as genome-wide sequencing approaches, have paved the way toward understanding how their…

Cell-ACDC – For those about to analyze microscopy images

Even though deep learning has led to improvements, the downstream analysis of live-cell microscopy images remains a bottleneck. Recently, researchers from the Institute of Functional Epigenetics published their open-source and user-friendly software…

A beginner’s guide to catching the readers – Till Bartke publishes protocols to identify modification-specific nucleosome interactors

As part of the book series ‘Methods in Molecular Biology’, Springer Nature has released the methods and protocols collection ‘Histone Methyltransferases’. The chapter contributed by Till Bartke and colleagues from the Institute of Functional…

FASEB Biological Methylation Conference: bringing basic biochemical findings to therapy organized by R. Schneider

Experts from academia and the pharmaceutical industry came together at “The Biological Methylation Conference: Fundamental Mechanism in Human Health and Disease” in Catania to share new exciting results about protein and RNA methylations as well as…

Communication is the key, also between cells.

Just as we use Google Maps, cells rely on gradient sensing of signal molecules to reach their destination. However, in their case, the destination is the source of the attractant and not the restaurant of choice. Using mathematical models,…

Helmholtz Munich is part of the new Innovative Training Network “RepliFate”

The EU funds a new Innovative Training Network (ITN) in the field of DNA replication, cell fate, and cancer with Helmholtz Munich as a beneficiary. The ITN will investigate the role of DNA replication as a determinant of cell fate and cancer.

Always follow your nose – On the trail of the anatomical logic of smell

The sense of smell is essential for almost all animals. It helps find food, detect dangers, and distinguish between friends and enemies. As the saying goes: You really get up my nose.

Research carried out at Helmholtz Munich has shown that…

EpIC - EpiGene3Sys meets INC_Spain to ChromDesign the Genome

From October 17th to 20th October 2022, the conference "EpIC - EpiGene3Sys meets INC_Spain to ChromDesign the Genome" will take place in Granada, Spain. The registration will open soon.

Epigenetic regulator promotes immunopathogenesis in COPD

Article in Nature Communications: Reduction of PRMT7 protein could stop tissue damage

A Speed Limit Could Be a Breakthrough for Stem Cell Therapy

Replacing sick or damaged cells with healthy cells: this is a major goal of regenerative medicine. One of the most promising approaches is cellular reprogramming, whereby one cell type in our body converts to another cell type. Research carried out…

Changing the speed of DNA replication - a new way to improve the cellular reprogramming efficiency

Reversing injury or disease is a major objective in research towards regenerative medicine. Replacing sick or damaged cells with healthy cells in order to repair damaged tissue is one of the most impactful strategies towards that goal. For that, a…

Summer School on Chromatin Biology: A hands-on expedition

We are delighted to announce the launch of the "1st Helmholtz Summer School on Chromatin Biology: A hands-on expedition", which will take place at the Neuherberg Campus of Helmholtz Munich, from August 15-26, 2022.

Eva Hörmanseder receives DFG grant to investigate cell-fate changes during reprogramming

The possibility to generate any cell type from a differentiated, somatic cell can advance cell-replacement therapies and holds great promises to regenerative medicine. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell-fate changes…

Scientists Open the Black Box of the Milestone Stage of Human Embryonic Development for the First Time

For the first time, scientists based at Helmholtz Munich and the University of Oxford were able to shed light on one of the most critical stages of human embryonic development (gastrulation). The finding, published in the journal Nature, will…

A milestone for developmental biology - Scientists publish the first single-transcriptome of a human gastrulation embryo (Kopie 1)

For the first time, scientists based at Helmholtz Zentrum München and the University of Oxford were able to shed light on one of the most critical stages of human embryonic development (gastrulation). Their findings will drive future studies to…

A milestone for developmental biology - Scientists publish the first single-transcriptome of a human gastrulation embryo

The prestigious Academia Europeae has elected Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla and Robert Schneider as members

After a rigorous peer-review process, the board of trustees of Academia Europeae, the pan-European academy of science, humanities, and letters, has elected our Stem Cell expert Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla. This is a recognition of her standing…

Mitochondrial defects characterize 'loser' cells in cell competition

The work of the Scialdone Lab at the Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Rodriguez at the Imperial College elucidates that differences in mitochondrial activity are key determinants for cellular fitness in various contexts, where endogenous cell…

Revealing the Secrets of Cell Competition

Cellular competition is a crucial quality control process that ensures that the development of an organism relies on healthy cells. Researchers revealed the secrets underlying cell competition and what features can pre-determine whether a cell will…

The Prestigious Academia Europeae Has Elected Two Helmholtz Munich Researchers as Members

After a rigorous peer review process, the board of trustees of Academia Europeae, the pan-European academy of science, humanities and letters, has elected the Stem Cell expert Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla as well as the Epigenetics expert Robert…

Boost for Epigenetic Research at Helmholtz Zentrum München

The German research foundation DFG funds the collaborative research center ‘Chromatin Dynamics’ (SFB 1064) for four more years. Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität München, Technical University of Munich and the Max Planck…

Epigenetics: What the Embryo Can Teach Us About Cell Reprogramming

Cell reprogramming provides an outstanding opportunity for the artificial generation of stem cells for regenerative medicine approaches in the clinic. As current cell reprogramming methods are low in efficiency, researchers around the globe aim to…

EpiCrossBorders: An International Research School Flagship Towards “One Health”

EpiCrossBorders, a new international research school for epigenetics across borders, will connect the research excellence of Helmholtz Zentrum München and the University of Edinburgh to establish new research topics and train future leaders in…

Epigenetics Internal Seminar

Marr lab  and  schneider lab  .

Setup: Virtual

Invited Speaker Seminars

Jan skotheim, mechanisms linking cell growth to division.

Professor of Biology and Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University

Host: Kurt Schmoller

Setup: In Person

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Dr. Ksenia Kuznetsova

Scientific Coordinator for Epigenetics

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Epigenetics Office

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ANOVA Institute for Regenerative Medicine - Stem Cell Center is a private German institute for regenerative, translational and cellular medicine.

We are the first to introduce the latest Stem Cell 2.0 Therapy. Highly Effective. Concentrated. Controlled. Safe. Repeatable. The Essence of Stem Cells, for Your Wellbeing.

Innovative Stem Cell-based regenerative therapies from German Doctors and Scientists.

"There is no difference between saving or extending lives, because in both cases we are giving people the chance of more live” Aubrey de Grey

We listen to your needs. We make time to understand your problem. We deliver personalized treatments to You.

German Stem Cell Engineering: The Science of a Better You

Stem cells are your body’s basic building blocks. They possess limitless therapeutic potential for many diseases, one of which is the aging process itself. The main focus of stem cell research has been the investigation of the potential of stem cells for its medical application, while established medicine has not even considered stem cells as a novel treatment option for many diseases. They have not worked harmoniously together yet. ANOVA Institute for Regenerative Medicine bridges this gap, as it was founded with the main focus to achieve excellence in translational medicine. We are a German medical institute that offers individualized treatments for patients. We employ licensed and state-of-the-art stem cell-based methods while operating with the highest possible safety and quality standards.

Regenerative Medicine in Europe: A Broad Spectrum of Treatment Possibilities

Overview Diseases

Erectile Dysfunction

Osteoarthritis

Knee Injuries

Spinal Cord Injury

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Multiple Sclerosis

Parkinson's Disease

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Stem cell therapies sorted by stem cell type - source tissue - and product.

Numerous types of stem cell therapies are available at ANOVA. Stem cell research brought insights that allowed for technological advancements in therapies and expanding the knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of stem cells. This has allowed for more effective therapies to be developed.

Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) is one of the most commonly applied source of stem cells. Despite the fact that the actual number of stem cells in BMC is biologically limited, several other (regenerative) factors in BMC have been shown to deliver promising results in the treatment of numerous diseases.

Stem Cell Secretome

Stem Cell Therapies 2.0: The ANOVA Stem Cell Secretome Therapy is the next generation of stem cell-based therapies. It was designed to harness and mass produce the healing essences of stem cells (paracrine and regenerative factors, extracellular vesicles, exosomes) in a uniquely designed laboratory process..

Platelet Rich Plasma - PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a blood-derived, cellular product with concentrated supply of regenerative growth factors and cytokines. Its efficacy has been proven in some orthopedic conditions. When used in combination with our stem cell therapies, its efficacy is synergistically enhanced.

How Does the ANOVA Therapy Differ? Diagnostics – We Look for the Cause of Your Pain

Prof. Dr. Dr. Dr. M. K. Stehling, the founder of ANOVA IRM and the Vitus Prostate Center , is a radiologist (MD) and holds a PhD in physics. For this reason, the ANOVA Institute for Regenerative Medicine, in cooperation with the Prof. Stehling Institute for Diagnostic Imaging located in the same building, has the capability to use  special precision diagnostics such as arthro-MRI and non-radioactive contrast MRIs.

Compared to many conventional MRIs, these methods are often able to localize the pain-causing inflammation in your joints. This enables us to determine individually how patients should be treated and where the stem cells should be applied.

Furthermore, in consultation with you, we supplement our patient-specific diagnostics with specific blood tests on hormones, inflammation parameters and other factors that are important in your case, or recommend further examinations such as a preventive MRI spinal scan.

Precision MRI scans - find the source of pain ANOVA IRM © Siemens Healthcare GmbH

Contraindications

Our stem cell treatments are experimental, but we only treat patients for whom we believe the risk/benefit ratio indicates treatment based on the state of the art, i.e., medical, scientific evidence.

Please understand that we therefore do not treat patients for whom the following points apply:

• Active cancer in the last two years
• Not yet of legal age
• Existing pregnancy or lactation period
• Unable to breathe on own, ventilator
• Difficulty breathing in supine position
• Dysphagia (extreme difficulty swallowing)
• Psychiatric disorder
• Active infectious disease (Hepatitis A, B, C, HIV, Syphilis, or other)

How Does the ANOVA Therapy Differ? We Implant the Stem Cells Precisely Where They are Needed

Stem cell injection into joints ANOVA IRM  Germany

Based on our specific diagnostics using arthro-MRI and non-radioactive contrast medium MRIs, we can, in contrast to many other clinics, deliver the stem cells with image support, e.g. using CT, precisely to the affected area. This means we can inject into and at joints to specifically and quickly trigger an effect where inflammation causes pain. All interventions are perfomed under supervision and care of our anesthesiologist and are pain free.

A purely intravenous administration, as many other clinics do, is only performed for the secretome (exosomes) if this is to be used additionally as a supportive or preventive measure because joint problems are present in several places in the body as the secretome is aimed to centrally modulate the immune response in order to inhibit over-reactions.

Of course, we will thoroughly advise you in the early process and the on-site consultation in advance on all steps and discuss alternatives and expectations.

Are you Interested but Insecure? Book a Counseling Appointment!

Our patient care managers are happy to inform you about what information we need upfront (MRI, CT, X-ray), how to transfer large data files and schedule a counseling appointment with our physicians for you. Please use our contact form to support a fast processing of your case and request.

You are also always welcome to send us an e-mail about your case. The counseling appointment may also take place per telephone or video chat if you live outside Germany. For more intense counseling or additional diagnostic evaluations you may also book an on-site appointment. We can perform needed MRI on the same day. All services rendered by our patient care team are free of charge and we inform you about all physician appointment charges up-front.

Avoid joint replacement with stem cell treatment ANOVA IRM - Germany

German Stem Cell Engineering – Designed for your Needs

ANOVA is proud to introduce the latest Stem Cell 2.0 Therapy - The Stem Cell Secretome Therapy . As the first clinic in Europe to have obtained the license to employ this treatment, we have developed a method that uses stem cells as a “factory” to mass produce the paracrine factors (= the essence of the stem cell regenerative potential) in high concentrations. Our method is designed and optimized to ensure high product quality and patient safety. Our regenerative medicine programs are suitable for a variety of diseases and conditions. Whether you suffer from a sport injury which you want to heal quickly, or from a neurodegenerative disease - stem cell therapy may be a suitable option for you. With our holistic approach we ensure that the focus lies on your individual needs. If you have any questions regarding our stem cell-based therapies please feel free to give us a call or simply contact us by e-mail . ANOVA's specialists are looking forward to answering your questions on stem cells in detail. All cases are carefully evaluated on an individual basis with our highly competent Doctors and Scientists. Schedule an appointment today: +49 (69) 50 50 00 944

Patient Stories

“Prof. Stehling designed an individualized approach which scheduled the time the liposuction a few weeks before the back operation. My first injection I got a week after the operation. The recovery from there on was phenomenal.”

“Almost immediately the inflammatory pain was ameliorated greatly. A few weeks later I felt already a big increase in the agility and I carefully picked up on doing sport again. After 6 months I almost forgot about the meniscal tear.”

News & Insights

Are stem cell therapies a treatment alternative for erectile dysfunction, are stem cell therapies a treatment alternative for ms, are stem cell therapies a treatment alternative for als, how much does stem cell therapy cost, faq – frequently asked questions, further references for msc, bmc, stemcell secretome and evs.

• Georg Hansmann, Philippe Chouvarine, Franziska Diekmann, Martin Giera, Markus Ralser, Michael Mülleder, Constantin von Kaisenberg, Harald Bertram, Ekaterina Legchenko & Ralf Hass "Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension" . Nature Cardiovascular Research volume 1, pages568–576 (2022).
• Murphy JM, Fink DJ, Hunziker EB, et al. Stem cell therapy in a caprine model of osteoarthritis . Arthritis Rheum. 2003;48:3464–74.
• Lee KB, Hui JH, Song IC, Ardany L, et al. Injectable mesenchymal stem cell therapy for large cartilage defects—a porcine model. Stem Cell. 2007;25:2964–71.
• Saw KY, Hussin P, Loke SC, et al. Articular cartilage regeneration with autologous marrow aspirate and hyaluronic acid: an experimental study in a goat model. Arthroscopy . 2009;25(12):1391–400.
• Black L, Gaynor J, Adams C, et al. Effect of intra-articular injection of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem and regenerative cells on clinical signs of chronic osteoarthritis of the elbow joint in dogs. Vet Ther. 2008;9:192-200.
• Centeno C, Busse D, Kisiday J, et al. Increased knee cartilage volume in degenerative joint disease using percutaneously implanted, autologous mesenchymal stem cells. Pain Physician. 2008;11(3):343–53.
• Centeno C, Kisiday J, Freeman M, et al. Partial regeneration of the human hip via autologous bone marrow nucleated cell transfer: a case study. Pain Physician. 2006;9:253–6.
• Centeno C, Schultz J, Cheever M. Safety and complications reporting on the re-implantation of culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells using autologous platelet lysate technique. Curr Stem Cell. 2011;5(1):81–93.
• Pak J. Regeneration of human bones in hip osteonecrosis and human cartilage in knee osteoarthritis with autologous adipose derived stem cells: a case series. J Med Case Rep. 2001;5:296.
• Kuroda R, Ishida K, et al. Treatment of a full-thickness articular cartilage defect in the femoral condyle of an athlete with autologous bone-marrow stromal cells. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2007;15:226–31.
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Further References about PRP

• Rubio-Azpeitia E, Andia I. Partnership between platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cells: in vitro experience. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2014;4(1):52–62.
• Xu, Ming, et al. " Transplanted senescent cells induce an osteoarthritis-like condition in mice. " The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences (2016): glw154.
• McCulloch, Kendal, Gary J. Litherland, and Taranjit Singh Rai. " Cellular senescence in osteoarthritis pathology ." Aging Cell (2017).

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• News Releases

The ISSCR announces 2024 election results

International Society for Stem Cell Research

Lorenz Studer, MD, founding director of the Center for Stem Cell Biology and member of the Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA, will become the next ISSCR Vice President. Jacqueline Barry, PhD, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, UK; Tenneille E. Ludwig, PhD, WiCell, USA; and Thomas A. Rando, MD, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles, USA were elected to the ISSCR Board of Directors. The terms begin 1 July 2024.

Credit: International Society for Stem Cell Research

Evanston, IL – The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is pleased to announce the results of its 2024 election. Lorenz Studer, MD, founding director of the Center for Stem Cell Biology and member of the Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA, will become the next Vice President. All terms of office for the new leaders will begin on 1 July 2024.

The following three members were newly elected to the ISSCR Board of Directors for a three-year term:

• Jacqueline Barry, PhD, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, UK
• Tenneille E. Ludwig, PhD, WiCell, USA
• Thomas A. Rando, MD, PhD, University of California, Los Angeles, USA

The following members were elected to a second, three-year term:

• Melissa Carpenter, PhD, Carpenter Consulting Corporation, USA
• Malin Parmar, PhD, Lund University, Sweden
• Mitinori Saitou, MD, PhD, Kyoto University, Japan

Visit the ISSCR website to review the full biographies of new and reappointed members of the ISSCR Board of Directors.

About the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR.org) With nearly 5,000 members from more than 70 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health. Additional information about stem cell science is available AboutStemCells.org , an initiative of the Society to inform the public about stem cell research and its potential.

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