Stem cell research and technology represent a major challenge for treating non-otherwise curable patients. A decade of intensive research has demonstrated that initial hopes based more on enthusiasm than on solid scientific bases can be translated in factual techniques only by adopting more rigorous procedures and strategies. Among other major impediments, the failure so far experienced in applying stem cell technologies to repair parenchymal organs can be ascribed to the lack of sufficient knowledge on basic mechanisms, but also standardized criteria and protocols. Very often, each laboratory follows its own “recipe” using erratic nomenclature and non comparable, if not confusing, experimental protocols. All this makes it difficult to learn from the others and, ultimately, hampers the progression of knowledge on stem cell behaviour.

The ambitious goal of this meeting is to gather the most innovative and scientifically robust knowledge and technologies on stem cells and involve investigators from academy and industry in formulating recommendations to standardize the isolation and manipulation of stem cells using solid and well-documented knowledge rather than fragmentary and often unrepeatable experimental reports.

Deadlines:

Abstract Submission for Oral / Poster Presentation, Friday, August 31, 2010

Review Response: Friday, September 30, 2010

This first Disputatio is organized in seven round tables, each one related to a specific question to be answered to drive the promotion of adult stem cell technology.

Topics:

Round Table 1

Do Adult Progenitor Cells represent a homogeneous population?
Different stem/progenitor cell populations have been identified in various organs. Do these organs really need different systems to repair damaged cells or technical artifacts generate these apparently diverse cell populations?

Round Table 2

Which markers best identify and characterize Adult Progenitor Cells?
Bio-molecular markers are extensively used to identify stem/progenitor cells. However, the markers so far considered are not specific for stem cells and doubts have been cast on some of them about their reliability. Could it be possible to identify arrays of markers capable to identify organ-specific stem/progenitor cells?

Round Table 3

Are Adult Progenitor Cells from different sources equipotent?
The different stem/progenitor cells populations could display diversified potency depending on the neighboring microenvironment and, thus, to be prone to preferentially adopt a specific cell phenotype. Could this characteristic be exploited for clinical applications?

Round Table 4

Can Adult Progenitor Cells isolation procedures be unified?
Each laboratory uses its own “recipe” to isolate and manipulate stem/progenitor cells making difficult to compare the different results and hampering the dissemination of the knowledge and its clinical application. Could it be possible to identify few unifying criteria to be adopted by all the laboratories investigating stem/progenitor cells?

Round Table 5

Which strategies to govern Adult Progenitor Cells differentiation?
Different strategies have been described to induce stem/progenitor cells to adopt the same phenotype. This redundancy of in vitro differentiating mechanisms could mirror a plethora of mechanisms operating in vivo. Nevertheless, in order to promote a harmonic and safe use of stem/progenitor cells for clinical applications, very clearly defined protocols must be setup and validated.

Round Table 6

How can Adult Progenitor Cells homing and possible transformations and/or infections be traced?
Reliable cell therapy requires that the homing of the engrafted cells into the host tissue could be governed even treating the patient with appropriate drugs and the stem cell fate traced in vivo with minimally invasive or non-invasive techniques. New concepts and technologies must be developed to comply with the needs of patients and clinical setting.

Round Table 7

Is it possible to formulate efficient Adult Progenitor Cell protocols for clinical applications?
Erratic protocols have been so far applied to patients in the need of cell therapy without consistent results. No criteria are available to define the eligibility of a specific patient nor the best conditions to receive cell treatments have been identified. An extensive effort is required to make cell therapy cost-effective.