On 20 September 2024, i3S welcomed Dr. Francesco Boccellato for a seminar titled “Stem Cell Driven Models to Understand Epithelial Responses to Infections and Cancer Initiation.” The event was part of the ImmunoHUB Seminar Series that aim to facilitating knowledge exchange in cutting-edge biomedical research.
Dr. Boccellato’s seminar delved into the complexities of the gastrointestinal mucosa, highlighting its role as a protective barrier composed of a polarized epithelial monolayer covered in mucus. He discussed how chronic inflammation, driven by the colonization of pathogens, can significantly increase the risk of adenocarcinoma development at infection sites.
A key focus of the presentation was Dr. Boccellato’s innovative work in regenerating organoids and developing “mucosoids”—a groundbreaking functional epithelial monolayer culture derived from human multi-lineage stem cells. These mucosoid models, which mimic the functionality of real mucosa including mucus accumulation on the apical side, have provided unprecedented insights into epithelial homeostasis and the response to bacterial infections.
The seminar sparked vibrant discussions among attendees, emphasizing the potential of mucosoid models in advancing our understanding of epithelial biology, host-pathogen interactions, and cancer initiation.
