Ep. 330: “Decoding Cell Fate” Featuring Dr. Yonatan Stelzer

Guest: Dr. Yonatan Stelzer is a Principal Investigator at the Weizmann Institute of Science. He discusses how his lab combines developmental biology, epigenetics, and single-cell technologies to understand how cells acquire distinct identities during embryonic development. He also explores building quantitative models that track development across space and time, how extracellular signals and epigenetic mechanisms shape cell fate, and the opportunities and limitations of using AI to uncover the underlying logic of biology. Featured Products and Resources: Get a free wallchart on the derivation and applications of hPSCs. Subscribe to ESC & iPSC News to receive all of the latest research, news, jobs, and events in ESC & iPSC research. The Stem Cell Science Round Up Stem Cells Drive Spinal Stenosis – Researchers identified tendon/ligament stem cells and showed that their abnormal differentiation contributes to ligament thickening and lumbar spinal stenosis. Building Better Bones – Engineered vascularized callus organoids act as temporary biological templates that promote blood vessel formation and regeneration of large bone defects. Regenerating Beta Cells – Loss of ALDH3B2 converts human pancreatic duct cells into insulin-producing β-like cells capable of improving blood glucose in diabetic mice. Controlling Organ Size – A Hippo–IGF2 signaling pathway controls organ growth and liver regeneration, with IGF2 restoring impaired regenerative capacity in aged mice. Photo Reference: Courtesy of Dr. Yonatan Stelzer Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe