Cell Stem Cell

Cell Stem Cell
Title	Cell Stem Cell
Abbreviation	Cell Stem Cell
Discipline	Stem cell biology, Developmental biology, Regenerative medicine
Editor	Deborah Sweet
Publisher	Cell Press
Country	United States
History	2007–present
Frequency	Monthly
Impact year	2022
Impact	23.9
Website	https://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/home
ISSN	1934-5909
EISSN	1875-9777
CODEN	CSCEC4
LCCN	2007243275
OCLC	123933211

Cell Stem Cell is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Cell Press that focuses on the field of stem cell biology. It was established in 2007 as the first journal dedicated specifically to this rapidly advancing area of biomedical research. The journal publishes high-impact research articles, reviews, and perspectives covering a broad spectrum of topics from basic developmental biology to translational regenerative medicine. Under the leadership of editors like Deborah Sweet, it has become a premier forum for disseminating critical findings that shape understanding of stem cell function, potential, and clinical application.

Overview

As a flagship publication of Cell Press, a division of Elsevier, *Cell Stem Cell* occupies a central position in the scientific literature of its field. The journal's scope encompasses the biology of all stem cell types, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells. It emphasizes mechanistic insights into cell fate determination, self-renewal, and the role of stem cells in tissue homeostasis and disease. The editorial board includes leading international scientists such as Rudolf Jaenisch and Shinya Yamanaka, ensuring rigorous peer review. Its high impact factor, consistently above 20, reflects its influence and the quality of the research it publishes, making it a critical resource for researchers at institutions like the Broad Institute and the Wellcome Trust.

History

The journal was launched in June 2007, a period marked by intense scientific and public interest following the isolation of human embryonic stem cells and the groundbreaking creation of induced pluripotent stem cells by Shinya Yamanaka's team at Kyoto University. Its creation was a direct response to the need for a dedicated venue for the burgeoning field, distinct from broader journals like Cell or Nature. Founding editor Deborah Sweet, previously of Nature Publishing Group, helped establish its editorial standards. Key milestones in the journal's history include publishing seminal papers on cellular reprogramming, CRISPR-based gene editing in stem cells, and early-phase clinical trials, cementing its role in documenting the field's evolution from basic discovery toward therapeutic application.

Types of stem cells

Research in the journal covers the full spectrum of stem cell classifications. Pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of blastocysts and induced pluripotent stem cells generated by reprogramming somatic cells, are a major focus. Work on tissue-specific stem cells (adult stem cells) includes studies on hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, neural stem cells in the brain, and mesenchymal stem cells found in various tissues. The journal also features research on more specialized populations like cancer stem cells, which are implicated in tumorigenesis and relapse in diseases such as leukemia, and germline stem cells important for reproduction.

Research and applications

Published research spans fundamental mechanisms to preclinical and clinical translation. Basic science articles often investigate signaling pathways like Wnt signaling, epigenetic regulation, and niche interactions that control stem cell behavior. Translational studies feature the use of stem cells for disease modeling, such as creating organoids from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to study Alzheimer's disease or cardiomyopathies. The journal reports on advances in cell therapy, including trials using hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for blood disorders and emerging therapies for spinal cord injury or macular degeneration. Work on gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 applied to stem cells for gene correction is also prominently featured.

Ethical considerations

The journal engages with the significant ethical debates inherent to stem cell research. A primary historical concern has been the use of human embryonic stem cells, which involves the destruction of human embryos, raising questions debated by bodies like the President's Council on Bioethics. The derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells mitigated some concerns but introduced others regarding informed consent for cell donors and potential misuse. The journal publishes ethical discussions on chimera research, involving the integration of human stem cells into animal models, and the clinical translation of unproven therapies, a issue highlighted by controversies surrounding clinics offering unregulated stem cell treatments.

Regulation and policy

The policy landscape for stem cell research is complex and varies globally, a topic covered in the journal's commentary sections. In the United States, funding for human embryonic stem cell research has been shaped by policies from the National Institutes of Health and affected by legislative actions like the Dickey–Wicker Amendment. The European Union has its own regulatory framework through directives from the European Medicines Agency. The journal tracks regulatory evolution for cell-based therapies, overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under guidelines for Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy designation, and international standards set by organizations like the International Society for Stem Cell Research.

Category:Cell Press academic journals Category:Stem cell research Category:Monthly journals Category:English-language journals Category:Academic journals established in 2007