Core Viewpoint - The research highlights the development of a method to efficiently differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into A10-like midbrain dopaminergic neurons (A10 mDA), which can integrate into mouse brain circuits and alleviate depression-like behaviors [3][6][8]. Group 1: Research Methodology - The study established a protocol for differentiating hPSCs into A10 mDA neurons, demonstrating that these neurons can selectively integrate into host neural circuits and alleviate depression-like phenotypes [6][7]. - The differentiation process involved the use of Notch inhibitors, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and ascorbic acid (AA) to induce A10 subtype specification [7]. Group 2: Findings and Implications - The A10-like mDA neurons exhibited characteristics of the A10 subtype, including specific gene expression profiles and electrophysiological properties [7]. - Transplanted A10-like mDA neurons specifically projected to their endogenous target brain regions, inducing anxiolytic effects in normal mice and antidepressant-like effects in depression model mice [7][8]. - The findings suggest that therapies based on A10 mDA neurons hold potential for treating major depressive disorder and provide a theoretical basis for using hPSC-derived neuronal subtypes in treating a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders [8].

干细胞 并不是一个新概念，但至今仍位于生命科学研究的前沿。 其英文名为 Stem Cell ，其中"Stem"意为"干"或"起源"。顾名思义，这是一种处于细胞群 体起源的原始细胞，具有自我更新能力，也能在体内分化产生某种特定组织类型，因此被称 为"生命的种子"。 一代又一代科学家接续努力，建立在干细胞基础之上的生物学、药物学研究从未停止—— 于洪涛 西湖实验室主任、西湖大学生命科学学院院长、讲席教授 裴端卿 西湖实验室、西湖大学生命科学学院讲席教授 刘立中 西湖实验室、西湖大学生命科学学院特聘研究员 刘晓东 西湖实验室、西湖大学生命科学学院特聘研究员 裴唯珂 西湖实验室、西湖大学生命科学学院特聘研究员 张 兵 西湖实验室、西湖大学生命科学学院特聘研究员 王 曦 西湖实验室基因组与生物信息学核心实验室主任 Veronique Gebala 《自然》高级编辑 Stylianos Lefkopoulos 《自然-细胞生物学》高级编辑 Robert Stephenson 《自然-通讯》高级编辑 Hannah Walters 《自然-衰老》高级编辑 Miguel A. Esteban 华大基因（深圳）3CD STAR实 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative method of chemical reprogramming to generate human chemical induced pluripotent stem cells (hCiPS cells), highlighting its potential in regenerative medicine and the advantages of using human blood cells as a source for these stem cells [2][10]. Group 1: Chemical Reprogramming Method - The chemical reprogramming method allows for the conversion of somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells using a combination of small molecules, providing a more flexible and simpler approach compared to traditional transcription factor-based methods [2][6]. - In 2025, the team led by Professor Deng Hongkui successfully established an accelerated chemical reprogramming platform by overcoming key epigenetic barriers, enhancing the efficiency of generating hCiPS cells [2][4]. Group 2: Source of Cells - Human blood cells are identified as the most accessible and convenient source for generating hCiPS cells, although challenges remain in the chemical reprogramming of these cells [3][6]. - The research demonstrated high efficiency in chemical reprogramming from both fresh and frozen blood cells, with the ability to generate over 100 hCiPS cell clones from just a drop of fingertip blood [7][14]. Group 3: Research Highlights - The study published in Cell Stem Cell represents a significant advancement in the field, overcoming the critical bottleneck of starting cell sources for chemical induced pluripotent stem cell production [4][10]. - The method is noted for its robustness and reproducibility, making it a promising next-generation platform for efficient and scalable stem cell production in regenerative medicine [10][14].

Core Insights - The research team from Kunming University of Science and Technology successfully developed healthy live monkeys and genetically matched autologous embryonic stem cells from a single primate embryo using embryo splitting technology, marking a significant advancement in regenerative medicine [1][2] - The study published in the journal Nature Communications highlights the importance of obtaining genetically matched embryonic stem cells to address issues of immune rejection and ethical concerns associated with traditional stem cell therapies [1] Summary by Categories Research Methodology - The team optimized embryo splitting techniques by simulating the natural formation of identical twins, performing splits at the 4-cell and 8-cell stages, with a more efficient 3:5 strategy at the 8-cell stage [1] - From 23 pairs of split embryos, two healthy monkeys and autologous stem cell lines were successfully generated, with one case resulting in a successful cell line establishment before mid-pregnancy miscarriage [1] Findings and Comparisons - Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that autologous embryonic stem cells exhibited lower cell heterogeneity, reduced transcriptional noise, and more significant expression of genes related to genomic stability compared to induced pluripotent stem cells and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells [2] - Under feeder layer culture conditions, induced pluripotent stem cells showed a stronger differentiation trend, while autologous embryonic stem cells were more similar to somatic cell nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells [2] Clinical Implications - The establishment of autologous embryonic stem cells from split embryos presents a new method for generating pluripotent stem cells and provides an ideal model for assessing the functional differences of various stem cell types in vivo [2] - The research has potential clinical applications in organ repair and disease treatment, laying a crucial foundation for future regenerative medicine applications [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses a groundbreaking study published in Nature, where researchers successfully cultivated a small human heart within a pig embryo, which was able to beat and survive for 21 days [1][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - Scientists have previously transplanted gene-edited pig organs (kidneys, hearts) into humans, and are now exploring the creation of human-animal chimeras to address global organ transplant shortages [4]. - The research team, led by researcher Lai Liangxue, reported the cultivation of a humanized heart in pig embryos, marking a significant advancement in xenotransplantation [5][6]. - The pig is considered a suitable donor species due to its organ size and anatomical similarities to humans [6]. Group 2: Methodology - The team utilized a method involving the creation of pig embryos lacking specific genes necessary for heart development, followed by the injection of human stem cells to promote the formation of the heart [5][6]. - The embryos were implanted into a sow for further development, and the resulting hearts reached a developmental stage comparable to that of a human heart at 21 days [7]. Group 3: Observations and Future Directions - The chimeric pig embryos could grow for a maximum of 21 days, after which they could not survive, potentially due to human cells disrupting pig heart function [7]. - The study did not disclose the proportion of human cells within the hearts, although previous research indicated that human cells constituted 40%-60% in pig kidneys [7]. - For future developments, it is essential that the heart is entirely composed of human cells to prevent immune rejection in human recipients [9].