Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology A. Cascino, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
J Cell Physiol. 2013 Apr;228(4):911-4. doi: 10.1002/jcp.24216.
The study of stem cells is one of the most exciting areas of contemporary biomedical research. During the 3rd Joint Meeting of Stem Cell Research Italy (June 2012, Ferrara, Italy), scientists from different multidisciplinary areas explored new frontiers of basic and applied stem cell research with key lectures and oral presentations. There was a public debate on ethics during the opening ceremony, specifically on the limits and potentialities of adult and embryonic stem cells. Some scientists presented basic research data showing evolutionary aspects, which could be of interest in understanding specific biological phenomena. Others focused on "dangerous liaisons" between gene transfer vectors and the human genome. Some speakers provided insight into current stem cell therapies, such as those involving human epithelial stem cells for treatment of skin diseases. Other researchers presented data on close-to-therapy findings, such as the use of mesenchymal stem cells in brain repair. Of note, during the meeting, spotlights were focused on major issues that have to be considered for GMP stem cell production for cell therapy. In "Meet the Expert" sessions, specialists presented innovative technologies such as a next-generation sequencing system. Finally, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity for young scientists to show their findings, and to discuss with each other and with internationally recognized experts.
干细胞研究是当代生物医学研究中最令人兴奋的领域之一。在第三届意大利干细胞研究联合会议（2012 年 6 月，意大利费拉拉）上，来自不同多学科领域的科学家通过重点演讲和口头报告探索了基础和应用干细胞研究的新前沿。在开幕式上进行了一场关于伦理学的公开辩论，特别是针对成人和胚胎干细胞的局限性和潜力。一些科学家展示了进化方面的基础研究数据，这些数据可能有助于理解特定的生物学现象。其他人则专注于基因转移载体与人类基因组之间的“危险联姻”。一些演讲者提供了当前干细胞治疗的见解，例如涉及人类上皮干细胞治疗皮肤疾病的治疗。其他研究人员介绍了接近治疗的发现数据，例如间充质干细胞在脑修复中的应用。值得注意的是，在会议期间，重点关注了用于细胞治疗的 GMP 干细胞生产必须考虑的主要问题。在“专家见面会”环节中，专家们展示了下一代测序系统等创新技术。最后，会议为年轻科学家提供了一个极好的机会，展示他们的发现，并与彼此以及国际知名专家进行讨论。
