Lecture on Stem Cells and the Human Brain

Introduction

• Presented by Robert Signer, Deputy Director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute Discovery Center, associate professor of Medicine at UC San Diego.
• Focus on stem cells and their potential in treating diseases of the human brain.
• Brain's role in defining human cognition, intelligence, and individuality.
• Highlighted the complexity and uniqueness of the human brain which poses challenges in treating brain diseases.

Speakers

Dr. Alexander Khalessi

• Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego.
• President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
• Involved in numerous federal agencies and published over 150 peer-reviewed papers.
• Spearheaded advances in neurosurgery.

Dr. Frank Furnari

• Co-director of the brain tumor program, professor of medicine, and head of the tumor biology laboratory at UC San Diego.
• Research on genetic and molecular mechanisms of glioblastoma.
• Developing therapies for pediatric and adult brain cancers using stem cell models.

Role of Technology in Neurosurgery

• Advances in computational power and material science to deconvolute brain electrophysiology.
• Importance of understanding neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric conditions as targets for surgical intervention.
• Collaboration with industry partners and other departments to deliver complex therapies.

Development of Brain Tumor and Neural Restoration Program

• Focus on combining expertise in neurosurgery, radiology, and neurology.
• Use of stem cell therapies in maintaining brain health.
• Emphasis on cancer as a biological phenomenon and opportunities for neurorestorative approaches.
• Partnerships within the Sanford ecosystem to provide comprehensive patient care.

Advances in Neurosurgery Technologies

• Development of navigation tools to distinguish normal and abnormal brain tissues.
• Utilization of interoperative MRI for precise surgical interventions.
• Application of brain mapping techniques for structural and functional analysis.

Challenges in Brain Cancer Treatment

• Glioblastoma (GBM) as a primary example of difficult-to-treat brain cancers.
• Factors such as invasiveness, immunosuppression, lack of early detection, and tumor heterogeneity.
• Importance of targeting mutation 'A', identified as the TERT promoter mutation, common in GBM.
• Exploration of genetic vulnerabilities and stem cell pathways in cancer progression.

Brain Tumor Avatars

• Development of brain tumor models using stem cells for experimental research.
• Creating avatars that mimic human brain tumors for better understanding and treatment development.
• Focus on genetic vulnerabilities to develop targeted therapies.

Future Directions

• Potential of brain computer interfaces and stem cell lines in treating various neurological conditions.
• Role of personalized avatars in precision medicine and targeted therapy.
• Collaboration in research across disciplines for comprehensive understanding and treatment options.

Audience Questions

• Discussion on the application of fluorescent imaging in brain surgery.
• Exploration of the relationship between genetic mutations and cancer progression in the brain.
• Importance of multidisciplinary approaches in advancing neurosurgical techniques and therapies.

Conclusion

• Commitment to advancing understanding and treatment of brain diseases through collaboration and innovation.
• Recognition of the intersection between research, surgery, and technology in improving patient outcomes.