Cell Stem Cell

Cell Stem Cell publishes bold advances in stem cell science, in vitro tissue modeling, the integration of biomaterials with living systems, and regenerative medicine. Founded in 2007 at the dawn of the human iPS era, our north star is the power of stem cell technologies to understand and improve human health. Rather than focusing on the cell biology and mechanisms of stem and progenitor cells, we prioritize studies that ground their findings in human biology, disease insights and physiological relevance, and that robustly characterize the function of novel stem cell derivatives and engineered tissues. We also look for work that establishes data-rich resources for benchmarking in vitro tissue models and interrogating disease and repair processes, or develops tools and new applications for furthering innovation in cell and gene therapies.

Topics of interest include the fundamental science of stem cells in driving disease, aging, regeneration, wound healing, and fibrosis. We are highly interested in improved complexity and fidelity of in vitro human tissue models and their applications in therapeutic development and screening using organoids and assembloids as well as engineered systems such as organ-chips and bioprinted tissues. New approach methodologies (NAMs), including computational approaches that integrate artificial intelligence are also of strong interest. We seek studies that integrate biomaterials to improve stem cell culture, tissue engineering, and graft survival and function in vivo. In our view, regenerative medicine is bigger than stem cells alone, and encompasses living therapies more broadly. We are interested in innovations in cell and gene therapies using stem cells, primary cells, or immunotherapies, as well as engineered cells used as drugs or as delivery tools, and the methodological work that moves these therapies towards patients. Discussing and debating the scientific, ethical, and regulatory issues associated with this work is essential for responsible research, clinical translation and earning public trust, and our reviews and commentaries are geared towards current and future directions in these topics.

At Cell Stem Cell, our approach to peer review is collaborative and constructive. We cross-consult among our reviewers to arrive at clear editorial decisions and invite discussions with authors to build revision plans that are focused and feasible. In doing so, Cell Stem Cell seeks to act as a steward for this still young field to help make the promise of stem cells a reality.