Featured Articles - November 17, 2020

Grafted human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cortical neurons integrate into adult human cortical neural circuitry
Marita Grønning Hansen, et al., STEM CELLS Translational Medicine

Neuronal replacement by stem cell transplantation could become a novel therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. For example, human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cortical neurons transplanted into stroke‐injured adult rat cortex improve neurological deficits and establish functional connections with host neurons. However, all studies with human pluripotent stem cell‐derived neurons have been conducted using xenotransplantation. This study demonstrates that such neurons form functional synaptic networks and differentiate to mature, layer‐specific cortical neurons also when implanted onto organotypic cultures of adult human cortex. The findings support the clinical translation of pluripotent stem cell‐derived cortical neurons for neuronal replacement in human disorders affecting cerebral cortex.

Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is critical for regenerative potential of distal lung epithelial progenitor cells in homeostasis and emphysema
Yan Hu, et al., STEM CELLS

This study demonstrates a distinct, broad, Wnt‐responsive cellular landscape in the lung ex vivo and in vivo. This study reveals nuances in Wnt signaling dynamics during organoid formation that have not previously been described. Importantly, this study utilizes an elastase‐induced mouse emphysema model to show for the first time that distal lung epithelial progenitor cell function is impaired in a chronic lung disease. The authors believe that this study will advance the field, contributing to the understanding of how lung repair and regeneration upon chronic lung injury is controlled in distinct cell populations and thus will potentially aid the rational design of cell‐specific therapeutics aimed at inducing lung regeneration in lung diseases, which represent the second leading cause of death worldwide.