SCSS - MSCRT Webinar on Stem Cell Research and Therapy
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Date: 8 September 2025 (Monday)
Time: 9am - 13:00 (SGT) Format: Virtual (Zoom Meeting) schedule9:00 - 9:05 Welcome Address, Prof. Yuin Han LOH
Jonathan, IMCB & SCSS Session 1: Chair: Prof. Jonathan Yuin-Han LOH. IMCB
& SCSS 9:05 9:25 Fate Engineering of
iPSC-Derived Cells for Enhanced Allogeneic Therapy Prof. Jonathan
Yuin-Han LOH Institute of
Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore; President SCSS 9:25 9:45 Beyond Cells: Harnessing Stem
Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Chronic Lung Disease Prof Badrul HISHAM BIN
YAHAYA Advanced Medsical & Dental Institute, USM; Vice President, MSCRT 9:45 10:05 Human Spinal Cord Neurons and Organoids in
Defined Microenvironments for Modeling Neuropathologies Asst. Prof. Wai Hon
CHOOI Duke-NUS
Medical School, Singapore 10:05 10:25 NKG2D Receptor Positive Multicellular Immune
Therapy for Cancers Prof CHIN Sze Piaw Advisor of
Medical, Research, and Ethics Advisory Board, Cytopeutics Sdn
Bhd 10:25 10:45 Modeling Polycystic Kidney Disease Using hPSC-derived Kidney Organoids Dr. Meng LIU Nanyang
Technological University, LKCM, Singapore 10:45 11:15 TEA BREAK Session 2:
Chair: Dr. Tan Sik Loo, University of Malaya 11:15 11:35 Advancing Meniscal Repair:
Insights into Photobiomodulation and Stem Cell-Based
Regeneration Assoc. Prof Rachel MOK Pooi Ling Universiti Putra Malaysia 11:35 11:55 Genetic Control of Insulin Secretion by
HNF4A and HNF1A Transcription Factors Assoc. Prof. Adrian
TEO Institute of
Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore; Vice-secretary SCSS 11:55 12:15 Potential
of Spray Dried MSC Exo for Lung Regenerative Medicine Dr. Daniel LOOI Qi
Hao My Cytohealth Sdn Bhd; Council Member, MSCRT 12:15 12:35 Genomic
Safe Harbour Engineering in hPSC
Towards Cell Therapy Applications Dr. Matias AUTIO National
University of Singapore; ExCo member SCSS 12:35 12:55 Exploring
Modified Stem Cells for Cancer and COVID-19: A Preclinical Study Dr. Shaik Ahmad Kamal
Shaik Mohd Fakiruddin Institute for
Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health Malaysia; Council Member, MSCRT 12:55 Closing Remarks, Dr. TAN Sik Loo, Universiti Malaya & MSCRT |
Speakers' Information
Session 2 Speakers
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Jonathan Yuin-Han LOH
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore "Fate Engineering of iPSC-Derived Cells for Enhanced Allogeneic Therapy" |
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ABSTRACT
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are among the most widely used stem cells in clinical applications due to their multilineage differentiation potential, paracrine secretome, and immunomodulatory properties. Despite their use in over 1,500 clinical trials targeting more than 30 diseases, the molecular mechanisms underlying MSC stemness remain poorly understood, posing a significant barrier to their consistent clinical efficacy. To address this challenge, we established a stepwise, chemically defined, and highly efficient iPSC-to-MSC differentiation platform. Using this system, we performed transcriptomic profiling during differentiation and identified a key transcription factor, HOX, as a regulator of MSC stemness. HOX knockdown abolished MSC proliferation, significantly reduced colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) formation, accelerated cellular senescence, and impaired the expression of MSC surface markers. Multilineage differentiation potential was severely compromised following HOX depletion. Treatment with a HOX inhibitor phenocopied these effects, further confirming its essential role. Conversely, HOX overexpression enhanced MSC differentiation across multiple lineages. HOX expression was found to decline during in vitro expansion alongside key MSC-related genes, including TWIST1, RUNX2, and SOX9. ChIP-seq analysis demonstrated that HOX binding sites in early-passage MSCs were highly correlated with active chromatin marks (H3K4me3). Notably, these binding sites were largely lost in late-passage MSCs, consistent with stemness loss during prolonged culture. Importantly, HOX was shown to directly regulate TWIST1, and TWIST1 overexpression partially rescued the proliferation defect caused by HOX knockdown, identifying it as a direct downstream target. Moreover, we developed a HOX reporter system capable of enriching high-quality MSCs that exhibit elevated expression of stemness-related genes and enhanced differentiation capacity. Beyond cellular therapy, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are gaining attention as a next-generation therapeutic due to their higher stability and lower immunogenicity. However, the low and inconsistent yield of EVs in standard MSC culture remains a major limitation for clinical application. To overcome this, we conducted a chemical screen for EV production enhancers, identifying a synergistic combination of two EV-boosting compounds. This optimized formulation significantly enhanced MSC-EV yield, as demonstrated by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), without compromising cell health or EV quality. Our study identifies HOX as a key transcription factor maintaining MSC stemness and demonstrates a defined, efficient strategy to generate high-quality MSCs and EVs. These findings provide novel tools and insights to enhance MSC-based therapies and accelerate the clinical translation of MSC-EVs.
BIO
Yuin-Han Jonathan Loh is the Deputy Executive Director and Research Director at the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB. In addition, he is a Professor (Adjunct) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and a faculty member of the NUS Graduate School of Integrative Sciences and Engineering. Jonathan graduated with First Class Honours in Molecular Biology from NUS and completed his PhD in Integrative Sciences and Engineering at the NUS Graduate School, supported by the A*STAR Scholarship, where he earned the Philip Yeo Prize for the best paper. He furthered his training with a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. His current research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate cell fate changes, particularly how: 1) epigenetic factors interact with regulatory elements to coordinate gene expression; 2) transcription factors drive transdifferentiation and somatic cell reprogramming; and 3) epitranscriptomic regulation influences cell states. He is ranked by ScholarGPS among the top 0.07% of scientists globally in the field of stem cell research, based on quality metrics, with his publications cited over 24,240 times (Google Scholar) by peers worldwide. Jonathan's contributions have been recognized with several prestigious accolades, including the MIT TR35 Asia Pacific Award, Singapore Young Scientist Award, World Technology Network Fellowship, the Stem Cell Society Singapore Outstanding Investigator Award, Entrepreneurship World Cup and the ISSCR Public Service Award. He served as the President of the Stem Cell Society Singapore and as an executive council member of the Singapore Association for the Advancement of Science. Additionally, Jonathan founded two biotech start-ups, InnoCellular and Genovn, and is a board member of Nasdaq-listed Cytomed Therapeutics (GDTC).
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are among the most widely used stem cells in clinical applications due to their multilineage differentiation potential, paracrine secretome, and immunomodulatory properties. Despite their use in over 1,500 clinical trials targeting more than 30 diseases, the molecular mechanisms underlying MSC stemness remain poorly understood, posing a significant barrier to their consistent clinical efficacy. To address this challenge, we established a stepwise, chemically defined, and highly efficient iPSC-to-MSC differentiation platform. Using this system, we performed transcriptomic profiling during differentiation and identified a key transcription factor, HOX, as a regulator of MSC stemness. HOX knockdown abolished MSC proliferation, significantly reduced colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) formation, accelerated cellular senescence, and impaired the expression of MSC surface markers. Multilineage differentiation potential was severely compromised following HOX depletion. Treatment with a HOX inhibitor phenocopied these effects, further confirming its essential role. Conversely, HOX overexpression enhanced MSC differentiation across multiple lineages. HOX expression was found to decline during in vitro expansion alongside key MSC-related genes, including TWIST1, RUNX2, and SOX9. ChIP-seq analysis demonstrated that HOX binding sites in early-passage MSCs were highly correlated with active chromatin marks (H3K4me3). Notably, these binding sites were largely lost in late-passage MSCs, consistent with stemness loss during prolonged culture. Importantly, HOX was shown to directly regulate TWIST1, and TWIST1 overexpression partially rescued the proliferation defect caused by HOX knockdown, identifying it as a direct downstream target. Moreover, we developed a HOX reporter system capable of enriching high-quality MSCs that exhibit elevated expression of stemness-related genes and enhanced differentiation capacity. Beyond cellular therapy, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are gaining attention as a next-generation therapeutic due to their higher stability and lower immunogenicity. However, the low and inconsistent yield of EVs in standard MSC culture remains a major limitation for clinical application. To overcome this, we conducted a chemical screen for EV production enhancers, identifying a synergistic combination of two EV-boosting compounds. This optimized formulation significantly enhanced MSC-EV yield, as demonstrated by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), without compromising cell health or EV quality. Our study identifies HOX as a key transcription factor maintaining MSC stemness and demonstrates a defined, efficient strategy to generate high-quality MSCs and EVs. These findings provide novel tools and insights to enhance MSC-based therapies and accelerate the clinical translation of MSC-EVs.
BIO
Yuin-Han Jonathan Loh is the Deputy Executive Director and Research Director at the A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB. In addition, he is a Professor (Adjunct) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and a faculty member of the NUS Graduate School of Integrative Sciences and Engineering. Jonathan graduated with First Class Honours in Molecular Biology from NUS and completed his PhD in Integrative Sciences and Engineering at the NUS Graduate School, supported by the A*STAR Scholarship, where he earned the Philip Yeo Prize for the best paper. He furthered his training with a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. His current research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate cell fate changes, particularly how: 1) epigenetic factors interact with regulatory elements to coordinate gene expression; 2) transcription factors drive transdifferentiation and somatic cell reprogramming; and 3) epitranscriptomic regulation influences cell states. He is ranked by ScholarGPS among the top 0.07% of scientists globally in the field of stem cell research, based on quality metrics, with his publications cited over 24,240 times (Google Scholar) by peers worldwide. Jonathan's contributions have been recognized with several prestigious accolades, including the MIT TR35 Asia Pacific Award, Singapore Young Scientist Award, World Technology Network Fellowship, the Stem Cell Society Singapore Outstanding Investigator Award, Entrepreneurship World Cup and the ISSCR Public Service Award. He served as the President of the Stem Cell Society Singapore and as an executive council member of the Singapore Association for the Advancement of Science. Additionally, Jonathan founded two biotech start-ups, InnoCellular and Genovn, and is a board member of Nasdaq-listed Cytomed Therapeutics (GDTC).
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Badrul Hisham Bin Yahaya
Universiti Sains Malaysia "Beyond Cells: Harnessing Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Chronic Lung Disease" |
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ABSTRACT
Over the past decade, stem cell-based interventions have rapidly gained global traction, catalysing a surge in scientific interest, clinical exploration, and commercial ventures. This momentum has fuelled a proliferation of direct-to-consumer stem cell “therapies” marketed for a wide range of medical conditions—often in the absence of rigorous clinical validation. Parallel to this trend, there has been growing scientific attention toward cell-free regenerative strategies, particularly the use of stem cell-derived secretomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs), as promising alternatives to whole-cell transplantation. These acellular components, rich in signalling molecules, play pivotal roles in mediating paracrine effects that contribute to tissue repair and immunomodulation. Among the many clinical applications, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has emerged as a key focus, given its global disease burden and lack of curative therapies. Preclinical findings, including those from our group, have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs can significantly attenuate inflammation and tissue damage in COPD models, supporting their therapeutic relevance in lung regeneration. Despite the potential, the unregulated clinical use of secretome- and EV-based interventions remains a concern, underscoring the urgent need for robust scientific evidence and regulatory oversight. This presentation will highlight advances in stem cell-derived EV research, with a focus on their mechanisms of action in lung disease, translational potential, and implications for the future of regenerative and respiratory medicine. Ultimately, these innovations may reshape treatment paradigms and open new frontiers in managing chronic lung diseases.
BIO
Prof Dr. Badrul Hisham Bin Yahaya, Ph.D., currently serves as the Deputy Director (Research & Networks) of the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and also the Principal Investigator at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at AMDI, USM. Prof Dr. Badrul is also the Head of Breast Cancer Translational Research Program at AMDI (BCTRP) and a former Director of the Animal Research and Service Centre (ARASC) at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Prof Dr. Badrul's educational journey includes obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Genetics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2002, followed by a Master of Science in Human Genetics from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2006. His academic pursuits took him to the Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he completed his Ph.D. degree in the field of regenerative medicine focusing on lung regeneration and repair. In the realm of professional associations, Prof Dr. Badrul is an active member of various national and international societies. His expertise in stem cell and regenerative medicine has led to numerous invitations from both local and international organizations to present his groundbreaking research findings at global scientific gatherings. He plays an integral role in the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society of Malaysia (TESMA) where he served as the Vice President and Exco member. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of the Malaysian Society for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (MSCRT). Additionally, Prof Dr. Badrul currently holds the position of Visiting Professor at Xinxiang Medical University (XXMU) in Henan Province, China. He plays a pivotal role in international collaborations, serving as the coordinator for research and academic initiatives with Xinxiang Medical University, China; Mahidol University, Thailand; and Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia. In the realm of scholarly publications and editorial responsibilities, Prof Dr. Badrul is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (JBCS), published by AMDI USM. He also serves as an Editor for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Springer-Nature) and Series Editor for Tissue Engineering - Part A. His editorial contributions extend to other esteemed journals, including Scientific Research (Springer-Nature), Discover Oncology (Springer-Nature), Biomedical Research and Therapy (BMRAT) in Vietnam, Majalah Kedokteran Bandung, The Global Medical and Health Communication (GMHC) journal in Bandung, and Stem Cells in Clinical Applications (Springer-Nature). With a passionate focus on stem cell and regenerative medicine, Prof Dr. Badrul has secured research grants from various funding bodies, including Universiti Sains Malaysia, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) of Malaysia, the National Institute of Health/Ministry of Health (NIH/MOH) in Malaysia, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, among others. He has also received international grants, such as those from the Nippon Sheet Grant Foundation (NSGF) and funding from Henan Province, China, as well as industry matching grants, notably from Cryocord Sdn Bhd, to advance research in various facets of stem cell and regenerative medicine. Prof Dr. Badrul's remarkable contributions to the field are reflected in his extensive publication record, which includes over 95 articles in various indexed journals and chapters in books related to stem cell research, cell therapy, tissue engineering, cancer stem cells, and disease modelling. He has also played a pivotal role in postgraduate education, supervising 33 postgraduate students, with 23 of them successfully completing their studies under his guidance, focusing on various aspects of research related to stem cell and regenerative medicine.
Over the past decade, stem cell-based interventions have rapidly gained global traction, catalysing a surge in scientific interest, clinical exploration, and commercial ventures. This momentum has fuelled a proliferation of direct-to-consumer stem cell “therapies” marketed for a wide range of medical conditions—often in the absence of rigorous clinical validation. Parallel to this trend, there has been growing scientific attention toward cell-free regenerative strategies, particularly the use of stem cell-derived secretomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs), as promising alternatives to whole-cell transplantation. These acellular components, rich in signalling molecules, play pivotal roles in mediating paracrine effects that contribute to tissue repair and immunomodulation. Among the many clinical applications, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has emerged as a key focus, given its global disease burden and lack of curative therapies. Preclinical findings, including those from our group, have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs can significantly attenuate inflammation and tissue damage in COPD models, supporting their therapeutic relevance in lung regeneration. Despite the potential, the unregulated clinical use of secretome- and EV-based interventions remains a concern, underscoring the urgent need for robust scientific evidence and regulatory oversight. This presentation will highlight advances in stem cell-derived EV research, with a focus on their mechanisms of action in lung disease, translational potential, and implications for the future of regenerative and respiratory medicine. Ultimately, these innovations may reshape treatment paradigms and open new frontiers in managing chronic lung diseases.
BIO
Prof Dr. Badrul Hisham Bin Yahaya, Ph.D., currently serves as the Deputy Director (Research & Networks) of the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and also the Principal Investigator at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at AMDI, USM. Prof Dr. Badrul is also the Head of Breast Cancer Translational Research Program at AMDI (BCTRP) and a former Director of the Animal Research and Service Centre (ARASC) at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Prof Dr. Badrul's educational journey includes obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Genetics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2002, followed by a Master of Science in Human Genetics from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2006. His academic pursuits took him to the Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he completed his Ph.D. degree in the field of regenerative medicine focusing on lung regeneration and repair. In the realm of professional associations, Prof Dr. Badrul is an active member of various national and international societies. His expertise in stem cell and regenerative medicine has led to numerous invitations from both local and international organizations to present his groundbreaking research findings at global scientific gatherings. He plays an integral role in the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society of Malaysia (TESMA) where he served as the Vice President and Exco member. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of the Malaysian Society for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (MSCRT). Additionally, Prof Dr. Badrul currently holds the position of Visiting Professor at Xinxiang Medical University (XXMU) in Henan Province, China. He plays a pivotal role in international collaborations, serving as the coordinator for research and academic initiatives with Xinxiang Medical University, China; Mahidol University, Thailand; and Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia. In the realm of scholarly publications and editorial responsibilities, Prof Dr. Badrul is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (JBCS), published by AMDI USM. He also serves as an Editor for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Springer-Nature) and Series Editor for Tissue Engineering - Part A. His editorial contributions extend to other esteemed journals, including Scientific Research (Springer-Nature), Discover Oncology (Springer-Nature), Biomedical Research and Therapy (BMRAT) in Vietnam, Majalah Kedokteran Bandung, The Global Medical and Health Communication (GMHC) journal in Bandung, and Stem Cells in Clinical Applications (Springer-Nature). With a passionate focus on stem cell and regenerative medicine, Prof Dr. Badrul has secured research grants from various funding bodies, including Universiti Sains Malaysia, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) of Malaysia, the National Institute of Health/Ministry of Health (NIH/MOH) in Malaysia, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, among others. He has also received international grants, such as those from the Nippon Sheet Grant Foundation (NSGF) and funding from Henan Province, China, as well as industry matching grants, notably from Cryocord Sdn Bhd, to advance research in various facets of stem cell and regenerative medicine. Prof Dr. Badrul's remarkable contributions to the field are reflected in his extensive publication record, which includes over 95 articles in various indexed journals and chapters in books related to stem cell research, cell therapy, tissue engineering, cancer stem cells, and disease modelling. He has also played a pivotal role in postgraduate education, supervising 33 postgraduate students, with 23 of them successfully completing their studies under his guidance, focusing on various aspects of research related to stem cell and regenerative medicine.
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Wai Hon CHOOI
Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore "Human Spinal Cord Neurons and Organoids in Defined Microenvironments for Modeling Neuropathologies" |
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ABSTRACT
Human spinal-specific neural cells and organoids provide valuable in vitro models for studying spinal cord development. In this talk, we demonstrate that defined hydrogels serve as an effective alternative to Matrigel by reducing variability and supporting both neurogenesis and gliogenesis, addressing the significant limitations of Matrigel-dependent systems. Using human spinal cord neurons and spinal cord organoid (SCO) models, we further show that enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), the causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease, preferentially infects neurons over progenitor cells, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis. These findings highlight the potential of spinal cord neurons and defined hydrogel-based SCO models as versatile platforms for investigating spinal cord pathologies and their underlying mechanisms.
BIO
Wai Hon Chooi is a research assistant professor in the Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Program at Duke-NUS Medical School. After obtaining his PhD in Biomedical Engineering, he undertook a postdoctoral position at Nanyang Technological University and then at A*STAR IMCB, later advancing to the role of senior scientist. He joined Duke-NUS Medical School in 2024, where he applies organoid models to study human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. His research interests include biomaterials and tissue engineering for nerve regeneration, neural organoid technologies, and neural disease models.
Human spinal-specific neural cells and organoids provide valuable in vitro models for studying spinal cord development. In this talk, we demonstrate that defined hydrogels serve as an effective alternative to Matrigel by reducing variability and supporting both neurogenesis and gliogenesis, addressing the significant limitations of Matrigel-dependent systems. Using human spinal cord neurons and spinal cord organoid (SCO) models, we further show that enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), the causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease, preferentially infects neurons over progenitor cells, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis. These findings highlight the potential of spinal cord neurons and defined hydrogel-based SCO models as versatile platforms for investigating spinal cord pathologies and their underlying mechanisms.
BIO
Wai Hon Chooi is a research assistant professor in the Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Program at Duke-NUS Medical School. After obtaining his PhD in Biomedical Engineering, he undertook a postdoctoral position at Nanyang Technological University and then at A*STAR IMCB, later advancing to the role of senior scientist. He joined Duke-NUS Medical School in 2024, where he applies organoid models to study human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. His research interests include biomaterials and tissue engineering for nerve regeneration, neural organoid technologies, and neural disease models.
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Sze Piaw Chin
Cytopeutics & Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia "NKG2D receptor positive multicellular immune therapy for cancers" |
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Last year, The US FDA approved the use of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes for melanoma. In Malaysia we are also exploring cellular immunotherapy for solid cancers through the collaboration of Cytopeutics, Institute for Medical Research (IMR) and Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). Essentially cancers and their treatments such as chemotherapy can lead to lymphopenia, while lymphopenia itself is a prognostic marker of low survival. Lymphocytes are also required and used up when employing vaccines or targeted therapy. Harvesting these cells from the peripheral venous blood to be expanded ex vivo is an effective way to restore the lymphocytes. These are called cytokine induced killer cells or CIK. We have demonstrated that CIK which comprises CD3+ cytotoxic T- lymphocytes (CTL), CD3+ CD56+ natural killer T cells (NKT), and CD56+ natural killer cells (NK) have a two times higher cytotoxicity compared to NK cells alone. CIK also have a longer life-span of 1-2 years as compared to NK cells (2-4 weeks) and so more cells can be infused at once without risk of cytokine release syndrome. In our animal study, we injected mice with colorectal cancer cells. Mice treated with combination of chemotherapy and CIK have significantly lower tumour volume and growth, compared to mice which received either chemotherapy or CIK alone. The cytokines involved were also analysed. Lastly, we also demonstrated our ability in activating our CIK cells, as measured by the expression of NKG2D receptors on 75-90% of our CIK cells including CTL, NKT and NK cells. And because NKG2D ligands are almost exclusively expressed on solid cancer cells, therefore our CIK cells were able to specifically target solid cancers. These results and our clinical experience of employing such multicellular immune therapy (MIT) in cancer patients will be presented and discussed.
BIO
Sze Piaw Chin as an adjunct professor with the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and co-founder of Cytopeutics, a biotech company in Malaysia that is spearheading research in cell and gene therapy products. Prof Chin and his team were the first in Malaysia to be awarded the CTX license for stem cell manufacturing for clinical investigational use under Malaysia’s strict Cell and Gene Therapy Products (CGTP) regulations and has successfully completed 6 randomized controlled clinical trials including a Phase 1 safety study, severe stroke, ischemic cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis and acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) with 2 other multicenter trials currently underway (wound healing and acute stroke) and 2 more being planned (diabetes and colorectal cancer). Prof Chin has over 60 full-paper publications in international peer-reviewed journals and has received numerous grants for his research. He also holds 3 US and 9 Malaysia patents and was recently nominated by the MOSTI and MOE for the UNESCO Life Science Researcher’s award for his pioneering work on secretomes. Prof Chin is also the first Asian recipient of the major global ISCT award from the International Society for Cell Therapy.
BIO
Sze Piaw Chin as an adjunct professor with the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and co-founder of Cytopeutics, a biotech company in Malaysia that is spearheading research in cell and gene therapy products. Prof Chin and his team were the first in Malaysia to be awarded the CTX license for stem cell manufacturing for clinical investigational use under Malaysia’s strict Cell and Gene Therapy Products (CGTP) regulations and has successfully completed 6 randomized controlled clinical trials including a Phase 1 safety study, severe stroke, ischemic cardiomyopathy, osteoarthritis and acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) with 2 other multicenter trials currently underway (wound healing and acute stroke) and 2 more being planned (diabetes and colorectal cancer). Prof Chin has over 60 full-paper publications in international peer-reviewed journals and has received numerous grants for his research. He also holds 3 US and 9 Malaysia patents and was recently nominated by the MOSTI and MOE for the UNESCO Life Science Researcher’s award for his pioneering work on secretomes. Prof Chin is also the first Asian recipient of the major global ISCT award from the International Society for Cell Therapy.
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Meng LIU
Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore "Modeling Polycystic Kidney Disease Using hPSCs-derived Kidney Organoids" |
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ABSTRACT
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids provide valuable opportunities for studying PKD. Here, we developed both in vitro and in vivo organoid models of PKD that manifested tubular injury and aberrant upregulation of renin-angiotensin aldosterone system. Comparative analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data revealed that PKD organoids exhibited the highest correlation with human PKD patient in proximal tubule and thick ascending limb. Additionally, a tubular epithelium-specific metabolic dysregulation was observed during cystogenesis. Employing the organoid xenograft model of PKD, which spontaneously developed tubular cysts, we identified that minoxidil, a potent autophagy activator and an FDA-approved drug, effectively attenuated cyst formation in vivo. Furthermore, we created a physiological interface of autologous macrophage and kidney organoid, via direct differentiation and multi-cellular self-organization. This kidney immune organoid (KIO) model enabled us to study intercellular crosstalk between kidney organ specific cells and macrophages in the context of PKD.
BIO
Meng Liu is a research fellow at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, in Professor Xia Yun's lab. Dr. Liu’s research focuses on advancing polycystic kidney disease (PKD) organoid models to explore disease mechanisms and develop targeted therapeutic strategies, contributing to kidney disease research and regenerative medicine. Dr. Liu’s work encompasses single-cell transcriptomic analyses, the development of drug screening platforms, and the integration of immune cells within organoids to enhance their physiological relevance. Their works have led to significant contributions in the field, including publications in Cell Stem Cell and PNAS. Dr. Liu’s findings have also been presented at notable conferences, including the International Society of Nephrology, the American Society of Nephrology, and the Human Cell Atlas, underscoring their dedication to advancing the science of kidney disease..
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids provide valuable opportunities for studying PKD. Here, we developed both in vitro and in vivo organoid models of PKD that manifested tubular injury and aberrant upregulation of renin-angiotensin aldosterone system. Comparative analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data revealed that PKD organoids exhibited the highest correlation with human PKD patient in proximal tubule and thick ascending limb. Additionally, a tubular epithelium-specific metabolic dysregulation was observed during cystogenesis. Employing the organoid xenograft model of PKD, which spontaneously developed tubular cysts, we identified that minoxidil, a potent autophagy activator and an FDA-approved drug, effectively attenuated cyst formation in vivo. Furthermore, we created a physiological interface of autologous macrophage and kidney organoid, via direct differentiation and multi-cellular self-organization. This kidney immune organoid (KIO) model enabled us to study intercellular crosstalk between kidney organ specific cells and macrophages in the context of PKD.
BIO
Meng Liu is a research fellow at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, in Professor Xia Yun's lab. Dr. Liu’s research focuses on advancing polycystic kidney disease (PKD) organoid models to explore disease mechanisms and develop targeted therapeutic strategies, contributing to kidney disease research and regenerative medicine. Dr. Liu’s work encompasses single-cell transcriptomic analyses, the development of drug screening platforms, and the integration of immune cells within organoids to enhance their physiological relevance. Their works have led to significant contributions in the field, including publications in Cell Stem Cell and PNAS. Dr. Liu’s findings have also been presented at notable conferences, including the International Society of Nephrology, the American Society of Nephrology, and the Human Cell Atlas, underscoring their dedication to advancing the science of kidney disease..
Session 2 Speakers
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Rachel Pooi Ling MOK
Universiti Putra Malaysia "Advancing Meniscal Repair: Insights into Photobiomodulation and Stem Cell-Based Regeneration" |
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ABSTRACT
The meniscus plays a critical role in knee biomechanics, yet its limited regenerative capacity often leads injuries to progress toward osteoarthritis. Current surgical interventions have modest success and frequently result in long-term joint degeneration. Stem cell–based therapies, particularly using meniscus-derived stem cells (MeSCs), offer a promising avenue for meniscal repair and regeneration. Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive approach employing low-intensity light, has shown potential in enhancing cellular proliferation and differentiation, but its effects on MeSCs remain poorly understood.
In this lecture, the findings from our study investigating the influence of 660 nm LED-PBM on human MeSCs on their proliferation, mitochondrial activity, and chondrogenic differentiation will be presented. Our study revealed that PBM could significantly modulate cell proliferation, mitochondrial function, and expression of key chondrogenic markers (Col2A1, Sox9, Aggrecan), and these effects appear to be mediated via PI3K/Akt/mTOR, PI3K/Akt/GSK3β, and TGF-β3-associated pathways.
This lecture will highlight the potential of PBM to enhance MeSC-based therapeutic strategies for meniscus repair and tissue engineering. Optimizing PBM parameters could accelerate translation into clinical applications, offering a safe, effective, and non-invasive adjunct for regenerative medicine.
BIO
Pooi Ling Mok received her Ph.D. award from the National University of Malaysia, Malaysia in 2012. She joined the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia in 2013 and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Science. She also previously served as an Assistant Professor at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia, from 2017 to 2021. She is also the founding Vice President of the Malaysian Stem Cell for Research and Therapy (MSCRT) association. Dr. Mok has a passion for research involving stem cell engineering at the genetic, cell, and tissue levels involving human samples with the aim of improving the quality of life in patients. Most of her research works integrated many methods that include genetic modifications, the use of biomaterials, and tissue engineering for optimal result outcomes. She has published more than 80 research articles, a book on stem cell techniques, and filed 3 Intellectual Properties. Her current research focuses include finding alternative treatments for visual impairment, delaying aging, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers using stem cell-based products.
The meniscus plays a critical role in knee biomechanics, yet its limited regenerative capacity often leads injuries to progress toward osteoarthritis. Current surgical interventions have modest success and frequently result in long-term joint degeneration. Stem cell–based therapies, particularly using meniscus-derived stem cells (MeSCs), offer a promising avenue for meniscal repair and regeneration. Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive approach employing low-intensity light, has shown potential in enhancing cellular proliferation and differentiation, but its effects on MeSCs remain poorly understood.
In this lecture, the findings from our study investigating the influence of 660 nm LED-PBM on human MeSCs on their proliferation, mitochondrial activity, and chondrogenic differentiation will be presented. Our study revealed that PBM could significantly modulate cell proliferation, mitochondrial function, and expression of key chondrogenic markers (Col2A1, Sox9, Aggrecan), and these effects appear to be mediated via PI3K/Akt/mTOR, PI3K/Akt/GSK3β, and TGF-β3-associated pathways.
This lecture will highlight the potential of PBM to enhance MeSC-based therapeutic strategies for meniscus repair and tissue engineering. Optimizing PBM parameters could accelerate translation into clinical applications, offering a safe, effective, and non-invasive adjunct for regenerative medicine.
BIO
Pooi Ling Mok received her Ph.D. award from the National University of Malaysia, Malaysia in 2012. She joined the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia in 2013 and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Science. She also previously served as an Assistant Professor at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia, from 2017 to 2021. She is also the founding Vice President of the Malaysian Stem Cell for Research and Therapy (MSCRT) association. Dr. Mok has a passion for research involving stem cell engineering at the genetic, cell, and tissue levels involving human samples with the aim of improving the quality of life in patients. Most of her research works integrated many methods that include genetic modifications, the use of biomaterials, and tissue engineering for optimal result outcomes. She has published more than 80 research articles, a book on stem cell techniques, and filed 3 Intellectual Properties. Her current research focuses include finding alternative treatments for visual impairment, delaying aging, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers using stem cell-based products.
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Adrian TEO
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore "Genetic Control Of Insulin Secretion by HNF4A and HNF1A Transcription Factors" |
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ABSTRACT
Diabetes is a debilitating chronic disease that is spiralling out of control. Fundamentally, the progressive failure of pancreatic beta cells results in decreased insulin secretion, ultimately giving rise to hyperglycaemia and overt diabetes. Unfortunately, the lack of access to developing human pancreatic cells impedes a thorough understanding of the processes that account for human beta cell failure, especially in insulin secretion function. The availability of patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and the ability to differentiate them into pancreatic islet-like organoids in fully-suspension cultures now provide an invaluable opportunity to study these important processes in vitro. Here, I will highlight our years of efforts in using diabetes patient-specific hiPSC-derived pancreatic islet-like organoids harbouring defined gene mutations or variants to study human diabetes disease mechanisms, especially that of HNF4A and HNF1A mutations that give rise to maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) 1 and 3 respectively. In addition, I will describe our more recent work in identifying direct targets of HNF4A and HNF1A transcription factors in both pancreatic and hepatic cells, with a subsequent focus on targets that could be regulating insulin secretion function in beta cells.
BIO
Adrian Teo obtained his B.Sc. (1st Class) from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He completed his Ph.D. on stem cell biology with Prof Ludovic Vallier at the University of Cambridge, under an A*STAR Scholarship. Concurrently, he was also an Honorary Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholar. He then trained with Prof Rohit Kulkarni at Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) fellow, on pancreatic islet biology and diabetes. Adrian is currently a Senior Principal Investigator at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR; Division Director of the Cell and Molecular Therapy (CMT) Division at IMCB, A*STAR; a tenured Associate Professor at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; and Director of Graduate Affairs (DGA) of the Biomedical Research Council (BMRC), A*STAR. His laboratory uses human pluripotent stem cells for disease modelling of diabetes, developing therapeutics and cell therapy. He is also a co-founder of BetaLife Pte Ltd focused on the use of stem cell therapy for diabetes patients. He is a member of the Oxbridge Society of Singapore, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) and an EXCO member/Vice-Secretary of the Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS).
Diabetes is a debilitating chronic disease that is spiralling out of control. Fundamentally, the progressive failure of pancreatic beta cells results in decreased insulin secretion, ultimately giving rise to hyperglycaemia and overt diabetes. Unfortunately, the lack of access to developing human pancreatic cells impedes a thorough understanding of the processes that account for human beta cell failure, especially in insulin secretion function. The availability of patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and the ability to differentiate them into pancreatic islet-like organoids in fully-suspension cultures now provide an invaluable opportunity to study these important processes in vitro. Here, I will highlight our years of efforts in using diabetes patient-specific hiPSC-derived pancreatic islet-like organoids harbouring defined gene mutations or variants to study human diabetes disease mechanisms, especially that of HNF4A and HNF1A mutations that give rise to maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) 1 and 3 respectively. In addition, I will describe our more recent work in identifying direct targets of HNF4A and HNF1A transcription factors in both pancreatic and hepatic cells, with a subsequent focus on targets that could be regulating insulin secretion function in beta cells.
BIO
Adrian Teo obtained his B.Sc. (1st Class) from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He completed his Ph.D. on stem cell biology with Prof Ludovic Vallier at the University of Cambridge, under an A*STAR Scholarship. Concurrently, he was also an Honorary Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholar. He then trained with Prof Rohit Kulkarni at Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) fellow, on pancreatic islet biology and diabetes. Adrian is currently a Senior Principal Investigator at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR; Division Director of the Cell and Molecular Therapy (CMT) Division at IMCB, A*STAR; a tenured Associate Professor at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; and Director of Graduate Affairs (DGA) of the Biomedical Research Council (BMRC), A*STAR. His laboratory uses human pluripotent stem cells for disease modelling of diabetes, developing therapeutics and cell therapy. He is also a co-founder of BetaLife Pte Ltd focused on the use of stem cell therapy for diabetes patients. He is a member of the Oxbridge Society of Singapore, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) and an EXCO member/Vice-Secretary of the Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS).
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Daniel Qi Hao LOOI
My Cytohealth Sdn Bhd, Malaysia "Potential of Spray‑Dried MSC‑Exo for Lung Regenerative Medicine" |
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ABSTRACT
Context & Unmet Need. Chronic fibrotic and inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., IPF, post‑viral fibrosis, COPD‑exacerbation injury) require therapies that restore epithelial integrity and rebalance aberrant repair without the risks and logistics of live‑cell products. Mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosomes (MSC‑Exo) offer a cell‑free, immune‑silent modality but liquid formats are constrained by cold‑chain and dosing variability. Project Aim. To develop and characterise a spray‑dried, inhalable dry‑powder formulation of MSC‑Exo (sEVs) with robust storage stability, deep‑lung aerosol performance, and preserved disease‑relevant bioactivity, enabling practical clinical translation. Formulation & Methods. Optimised excipient system and spray‑drying produced a free‑flowing white powder intended for inhalation devices. Identity and stability were assessed by protein content, particle sizing, pH, morphology (EM), and EV markers (e.g., TSG101, CD63) across storage temperatures and time points. Aerodynamic performance was evaluated using the Andersen Cascade Impactor. Bioactivity was tested in lung‑relevant models: anti‑fibrotic effects in TGF‑β‑activated MRC‑5 fibroblasts and cytoprotection/anti‑necroptosis in A549 and MRC‑5 cells challenged with TNF‑α/SM‑164/z‑VAD (TSZ). Key Findings. The spray‑dried MSC‑Exo retained protein levels, particle size distribution, and pH during cold storage; EM confirmed conserved vesicle morphology. Canonical EV markers (TSG101, CD63) remained detectable at 12 months (cold conditions). Aerodynamic testing showed deposition reaching stage 7 on the impactor, consistent with distal‑airway delivery. In vitro, MSC‑Exo reduced pro‑fibrotic readouts in activated fibroblasts and suppressed TSZ‑induced necroptosis signalling in epithelial models, supporting dual anti‑fibrotic and cytoprotective mechanisms. Significance. A shelf‑stable, inhalable MSC‑Exo enables non‑invasive outpatient dosing while reducing cold‑chain burden and improving dose standardisation versus liquid EVs. By coupling long‑term stability with deep‑lung deposition and preserved function, this platform directly addresses two major barriers for EV therapeutics—logistics and site‑of‑action delivery—positioning it for broad use in lung regenerative medicine.
BIO
Daniel Looi Qi Hao is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at CytoHealth Group, specializing in regenerative medicine. He concurrently holds academic appointments as Associate Research Fellow at the National University of Malaysia (UKM), and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Taylor's University and also served as Visiting Professor at University Prima Indonesia. Dr. Daniel Looi maintains active research collaborations with leading universities and research institutions, including UKM, UM, UPM, Taylor’s University, Monash University, and the Institute for Medical Research (IMR). To date, he has authored over 30 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and holds several patents in regenerative medicine innovation. Besides, he is also an active member of several professional associations, including the Malaysia Society for Stem Cells Research and Therapy (MSCRT), Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society of Malaysia (TESMA), Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS), and Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS), reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing the field of regenerative medicine.
Context & Unmet Need. Chronic fibrotic and inflammatory lung diseases (e.g., IPF, post‑viral fibrosis, COPD‑exacerbation injury) require therapies that restore epithelial integrity and rebalance aberrant repair without the risks and logistics of live‑cell products. Mesenchymal stem cell–derived exosomes (MSC‑Exo) offer a cell‑free, immune‑silent modality but liquid formats are constrained by cold‑chain and dosing variability. Project Aim. To develop and characterise a spray‑dried, inhalable dry‑powder formulation of MSC‑Exo (sEVs) with robust storage stability, deep‑lung aerosol performance, and preserved disease‑relevant bioactivity, enabling practical clinical translation. Formulation & Methods. Optimised excipient system and spray‑drying produced a free‑flowing white powder intended for inhalation devices. Identity and stability were assessed by protein content, particle sizing, pH, morphology (EM), and EV markers (e.g., TSG101, CD63) across storage temperatures and time points. Aerodynamic performance was evaluated using the Andersen Cascade Impactor. Bioactivity was tested in lung‑relevant models: anti‑fibrotic effects in TGF‑β‑activated MRC‑5 fibroblasts and cytoprotection/anti‑necroptosis in A549 and MRC‑5 cells challenged with TNF‑α/SM‑164/z‑VAD (TSZ). Key Findings. The spray‑dried MSC‑Exo retained protein levels, particle size distribution, and pH during cold storage; EM confirmed conserved vesicle morphology. Canonical EV markers (TSG101, CD63) remained detectable at 12 months (cold conditions). Aerodynamic testing showed deposition reaching stage 7 on the impactor, consistent with distal‑airway delivery. In vitro, MSC‑Exo reduced pro‑fibrotic readouts in activated fibroblasts and suppressed TSZ‑induced necroptosis signalling in epithelial models, supporting dual anti‑fibrotic and cytoprotective mechanisms. Significance. A shelf‑stable, inhalable MSC‑Exo enables non‑invasive outpatient dosing while reducing cold‑chain burden and improving dose standardisation versus liquid EVs. By coupling long‑term stability with deep‑lung deposition and preserved function, this platform directly addresses two major barriers for EV therapeutics—logistics and site‑of‑action delivery—positioning it for broad use in lung regenerative medicine.
BIO
Daniel Looi Qi Hao is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at CytoHealth Group, specializing in regenerative medicine. He concurrently holds academic appointments as Associate Research Fellow at the National University of Malaysia (UKM), and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Taylor's University and also served as Visiting Professor at University Prima Indonesia. Dr. Daniel Looi maintains active research collaborations with leading universities and research institutions, including UKM, UM, UPM, Taylor’s University, Monash University, and the Institute for Medical Research (IMR). To date, he has authored over 30 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and holds several patents in regenerative medicine innovation. Besides, he is also an active member of several professional associations, including the Malaysia Society for Stem Cells Research and Therapy (MSCRT), Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society of Malaysia (TESMA), Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS), and Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS), reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing the field of regenerative medicine.
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Matias AUTIO
National University of Singapore "Genomic safe harbour engineering in hPSC towards cell therapy applications " |
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ABSTRACT
Genomic safe harbour (GSH) loci have been proposed as safe sites in the human genome for transgene integration. Although several sites have been proposed for transgene integration, most of these do not meet criteria set out for a GSH and or have not been characterised extensively. We conducted a computational analysis using publicly available data to identify 25 unique putative GSH loci that reside in active chromosomal compartments. We validated stable transgene expression and minimal disruption of the native transcriptome in three GSH sites in vitro using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their differentiated progeny. Furthermore, for easy targeted transgene expression, we have engineered landing pad expression cassettes into the three validated GSH in hESCs and induced pluripotent stem cells. For high efficiency integration of transgenes, we optimised the Bxb1-recombinase and other reagents to reach >20% integration of a payload without selection. The generated landing pad hPSC lines and recombination reagents allow for easy targeted expression of genes of interest in the pluripotent cell state or in cells differentiated to the cell type of interest. On going projects are exploring the use of these candidate GSH for future iPSC derived cell therapies.
BIO
Matias I Autio did his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Imperial College London. In 2013 he joined the group of Prof Roger Foo in the Genome Institute of Singapore as a post-doctoral fellow working on genome engineering of stem cell models for cardiovascular disease. He is currently a Senior Scientist in the Genome Institute of Singapore, A*Star and a Senior Research Fellow in the National University of Singapore and works on genome engineering of human pluripotent stem cell lines and other cell types for cell and gene therapy applications.
Genomic safe harbour (GSH) loci have been proposed as safe sites in the human genome for transgene integration. Although several sites have been proposed for transgene integration, most of these do not meet criteria set out for a GSH and or have not been characterised extensively. We conducted a computational analysis using publicly available data to identify 25 unique putative GSH loci that reside in active chromosomal compartments. We validated stable transgene expression and minimal disruption of the native transcriptome in three GSH sites in vitro using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their differentiated progeny. Furthermore, for easy targeted transgene expression, we have engineered landing pad expression cassettes into the three validated GSH in hESCs and induced pluripotent stem cells. For high efficiency integration of transgenes, we optimised the Bxb1-recombinase and other reagents to reach >20% integration of a payload without selection. The generated landing pad hPSC lines and recombination reagents allow for easy targeted expression of genes of interest in the pluripotent cell state or in cells differentiated to the cell type of interest. On going projects are exploring the use of these candidate GSH for future iPSC derived cell therapies.
BIO
Matias I Autio did his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Imperial College London. In 2013 he joined the group of Prof Roger Foo in the Genome Institute of Singapore as a post-doctoral fellow working on genome engineering of stem cell models for cardiovascular disease. He is currently a Senior Scientist in the Genome Institute of Singapore, A*Star and a Senior Research Fellow in the National University of Singapore and works on genome engineering of human pluripotent stem cell lines and other cell types for cell and gene therapy applications.
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Shaik Ahmad KAMAL
Ministry of Health Malaysia "Exploring Modified Stem Cells for Cancer and COVID-19: A Preclinical Study" |
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ABSTRACT
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising vehicles for targeted gene delivery due to their innate tumor-homing and immunomodulatory properties. This study explores the preclinical potential of genetically modified MSCs in two distinct disease contexts: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and COVID-19. For NSCLC, MSCs were engineered to express tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a molecule known to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells. In vitro models demonstrated that MSC-TRAIL inhibited the growth of NSCLC cells and their cancer stem cell (CSC) populations, with minimal off-target effects, supporting their therapeutic potential. Furthermore, analysis of annexin V expression and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarisation (ΔΨ) indicated that MSC-TRAIL induced both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in NSCLC cells and CSCs. In parallel, MSCs expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and interleukin-37 (IL-37) were evaluated for the treatment of COVID-19. Given the role of ACE2 as a viral decoy receptor and IL-37 as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, these engineered MSCs were tested for their ability to reduce viral load and modulate the inflammatory response in SARS-CoV-2 infection models. Preliminary data suggest effective viral neutralisation and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in treated models. Collectively, these findings highlight the versatility of engineered MSCs as platforms for targeted therapy in both oncologic and infectious diseases. Further translational studies are warranted to evaluate their safety and therapeutic efficacy in clinical settings.
BIO
Shaik Ahmad Kamal is a Research Officer at the Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Cancer Biology and Oncology from Universiti Putra Malaysia, an MSc in Cancer Therapeutics from Queen Mary University of London, and a BSc in Biomedical Science from UPM. His research interest is to develop treatments using engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) against lung cancer and several other diseases, including COVID-19 and inflammation. He has more than 10 years of laboratory experience in stem cell biology and cancer, with a particular focus on lung cancer, lung cancer stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. Dr. Kamal has led multiple pre-clinical studies as principal investigator, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and presented internationally. He also contributes actively to professional societies, including the Malaysian Society for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (MSCRT), where he serves as a council member.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising vehicles for targeted gene delivery due to their innate tumor-homing and immunomodulatory properties. This study explores the preclinical potential of genetically modified MSCs in two distinct disease contexts: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and COVID-19. For NSCLC, MSCs were engineered to express tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a molecule known to selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells. In vitro models demonstrated that MSC-TRAIL inhibited the growth of NSCLC cells and their cancer stem cell (CSC) populations, with minimal off-target effects, supporting their therapeutic potential. Furthermore, analysis of annexin V expression and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarisation (ΔΨ) indicated that MSC-TRAIL induced both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in NSCLC cells and CSCs. In parallel, MSCs expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and interleukin-37 (IL-37) were evaluated for the treatment of COVID-19. Given the role of ACE2 as a viral decoy receptor and IL-37 as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, these engineered MSCs were tested for their ability to reduce viral load and modulate the inflammatory response in SARS-CoV-2 infection models. Preliminary data suggest effective viral neutralisation and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in treated models. Collectively, these findings highlight the versatility of engineered MSCs as platforms for targeted therapy in both oncologic and infectious diseases. Further translational studies are warranted to evaluate their safety and therapeutic efficacy in clinical settings.
BIO
Shaik Ahmad Kamal is a Research Officer at the Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Ministry of Health Malaysia. He holds a PhD in Cancer Biology and Oncology from Universiti Putra Malaysia, an MSc in Cancer Therapeutics from Queen Mary University of London, and a BSc in Biomedical Science from UPM. His research interest is to develop treatments using engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) against lung cancer and several other diseases, including COVID-19 and inflammation. He has more than 10 years of laboratory experience in stem cell biology and cancer, with a particular focus on lung cancer, lung cancer stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. Dr. Kamal has led multiple pre-clinical studies as principal investigator, published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and presented internationally. He also contributes actively to professional societies, including the Malaysian Society for Stem Cell Research and Therapy (MSCRT), where he serves as a council member.