Making Sense of Touch

Our guests today created new lab models to study Merkel cells using mouse whisker tissue cultures, mouse skin organoids, and human skin organoids. These models allowed them to study Merkel cells as they develop, validate the role of known signaling pathways, and even identify some new ones. Their work provides easier access to Merkel cells for future studies including disease models to understand the pathophysiology of these cells.  GuestsYing Xiao, PhD, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China  Chaochen Wang, PhD, Zhejiang University - University of Edinburgh Institute, ChinaHuipu Yuan, MD, PhD, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China Yajun Zhang, Zhejiang University - University of Edinburgh Institute, China HostJanet Rossant, Editor-in-Chief, Stem Cell Reports and The Gairdner FoundationSupporting ContentPaper link: An innovative in vitro system unveils IGF1R signaling regulating Merkel cell generation, Stem Cell ReportsAbout Stem Cell ReportsStem Cell Reports is the open access, peer-reviewed journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians. X: @StemCellReportsAbout ISSCRAcross more than 80 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (@ISSCR) is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to advancing stem cell research and its translation to medicine.ISSCR StaffKeith Alm, Chief Executive OfficerShuangshuang Du, Scientific Programs ManagerYvonne Fisher, Managing Editor, Stem Cell ReportsKym Kilbourne, Director of Media and Strategic CommunicationsMegan Koch, Senior Marketing ManagerJack Mosher, Scientific DirectorHunter Reed, Senior Marketing Coordinator